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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To adopt an 11 year old dog?

276 replies

ReasonablyIntelligent · 14/05/2019 12:01

I'm finally returning to the UK after having spent almost 4 years working away across various countries.

I have always been utterly desperate for a dog, I've had Border Collies before and love them.

I have my own business now so DP and I will both be working from home, we're financially stable so I think we're in a good place.
Only slight niggle is that we talked about doing some travelling, which we couldn't with a dog.

I always expected to get a puppy when we were ready, but I've been keeping my eye on the local dog shelters and have fallen in love with an 11 year old border collie at our nearest one. (not actually met her tho)

I love the idea of rehoming a dog, particularly one who may be struggling to find a home (at a guess her age may be putting people off).
However I've some concerns about rescue collies in general (I've had one and he was so damaged, bless him. Border Collies are high needs and it can go bad when those needs aren't met).
Also, an 11 year old Collie only has 3-4 years left - so I'd be setting myself up for heartbreak really very soon (I know that's really selfish).
On the other side (and I'm aware this is an awful thing to think), she'd be lower commitment than a puppy time wise.

Im not concerned about supporting her through old age, we have the time and money.

AIBU to consider it with such reservations? Is there any factors I've not thought of?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
19
RaininSummer · 08/06/2019 00:05

What a lovely dog. I hope you have a decent amount of years together.

TinselAndKnickers · 08/06/2019 00:39

What a bloody lovely ending! Please provide regular pics Grin

StillMedusa · 08/06/2019 00:55

You just made me cry and I'm not a crier!
What a lovely lovely post and may you have lots of happy years together!

HaroldsSocalledBluetits · 08/06/2019 00:58

If you can afford it, it's fine. But it will cost you a fortune.

Lizzie48 · 08/06/2019 01:11

She's such a cutie! What a happy ending for you and for your lovely dog! I hope it all works out well for her and for you and your OH, I'm sure it will. Smile

Ifeelinclined · 08/06/2019 03:04

I am so happy for you! She is just gorgeous!!

Moondancer73 · 08/06/2019 04:52

Yay! Amazing news, and she's beautiful

dreygrey · 08/06/2019 06:00

Brilliant op.

Greyhound22 · 08/06/2019 06:21

So lovely.

She looks in good nick for her age - nice teeth and bright eyed.

mintich · 08/06/2019 06:34

This thread has made me so happy!

YouJustDoYou · 08/06/2019 06:37

Those photos, I'm actually crying a bit! ♡

MiddleClassProblem · 08/06/2019 08:42

How did she settle last night? x

gettingtherequickly · 08/06/2019 08:59

What a lovely thread, she looks so happy!

ReasonablyIntelligent · 08/06/2019 10:15

I think in her mind yesterday was The Best Day Ever.

We went for a long stroll through the local forest, she's well behaved enough to be allowed off the lead with no worries so she had a good old explore. Bonus sausages involved (she's a big fan of sausages as it turns out) for coming back when called.

We went home, I gave her a good 45 minute brush (creating a new Collie in the process) and she fell asleep whilst I was grooming her.

We went to Pets at Home where she chose a few bloody noisy toys, and DP chose a Nerf gun that shoots tennis balls 🙄

We then met some friends at the pub, and she sat in my arms dozing for about an hour and then took it upon herself to greet everyone at the nearest tables (all blatantly dog lovers, it was hard to get her back - so no disturbing anyone's peace) and then she snoozed under our table.

Home to bed, and she slept half curled up in my arms and then half in the middle of the bed, where she deliberately wedged herself legs up in the small space between DP and I, licking DPs face everytime he moved.

OP posts:
Oliversmumsarmy · 08/06/2019 10:37

That sounds like a very happy very grateful dog.

Loopytiles · 08/06/2019 10:41

Gorgeous pictures, lovely!

Best wishes for lots of great times with her.

FatThor · 08/06/2019 11:12

This is the loveliest thread!!

I'm so pleased that beautiful girl got another chance at happiness, she is already paying you back with love!

Love the pics too, you're all gorgeous Smile

Goldenphoenix · 08/06/2019 11:53

Well done OP, she sounds like she has settled down so well! What a fantastic thread. Wishing you all years of happy walks and dog cuddles

H2OH20Everywhere · 08/06/2019 12:06

She had most certainly landed on her paws! As have you and MrRI!

Hope you're having a good Saturday!

MiddleClassProblem · 08/06/2019 12:09

Sounds perfect x

LazyDaisey · 08/06/2019 12:16

Crying happy tears here. Wishing you three lots of love.

Branleuse · 08/06/2019 12:26

she is gorgeous. You are going to have such a lovely time with her and her with you. Im so happy for you

LittleFairywren · 08/06/2019 12:27

I love this thread. She looks so, so happy. I wish you as many years as possible of happiness with her.

TinselAngel · 08/06/2019 12:53

I don't want this thread to ever end.

ResidentWeevil · 08/06/2019 13:13

Just read the whole thread, such a lovely ending.

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