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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
Nix32 · 08/06/2019 17:23

Just so lovely! Sounds like the perfect day.

SickOfBeingFat · 08/06/2019 17:45

Aww, what a gorgeous thread

ReasonablyIntelligent · 08/06/2019 21:17

Another big day, thank you everyone for your kind messages

To adopt an 11 year old dog?
To adopt an 11 year old dog?
OP posts:
eurochick · 08/06/2019 21:34

This is my favourite mn thread. Smile

harriethoyle · 08/06/2019 21:52

Oh I am WELLING UP. Thank you for being one of the good guys OP. Unmumsnetty kisses for you xxx

TinselAngel · 08/06/2019 21:52

😍

To adopt an 11 year old dog?
TheHoundsofLove · 08/06/2019 21:53

Such a lovely thread! OP, I hope that you have many happy years together! I've also got an 11 year old dog and he's still pretty pup-like, really...apart from the grey face and cloudy eyes (which I tell him makes him look all the more handsome and distinguished). Older dogs have so much love and patience to give!

31133004Taff · 08/06/2019 21:57

So much joy while she’s with you. Why avoid the martini for fear of the hangover Wink

DifficultSituation19 · 08/06/2019 21:59

That’s so lovely OP. I had my boy PTS at 14.5 years last year, and I miss him so much. Older dogs are so lovely, they just get more and more affectionate as they age. Good on you, hope you have lots of fun together.

IamaBluebird · 08/06/2019 22:07

What a chilled out looking dog. She's gorgeous. Hope you have lots of happy times Smile

Jaffacakebeast · 08/06/2019 22:35

Aww 🥰 love a happy ending :)

itscallednickingbentcoppers · 09/06/2019 01:21

Happy posts brought a tear to my eye! A much loved addition to the family.

Iseverynametaken · 09/06/2019 13:39

Just chiming in to say you're wonderful people OP. She will have a lovely life with you I can tell. As a BC owner I must say 'who's cutting onions'.. Wink

Branleuse · 10/06/2019 14:43

SHES DOIN A BLEP

steppemum · 10/06/2019 15:06

OOOHHHHHH

I read this thread right at the beginning and haven't seen it since, what a lovely happy ending.
So pleased for you Op, and Mr R, what a lovely story

H2OH20Everywhere · 17/06/2019 09:11

@ReasonablyIntelligent - How's Skye?

Walkamileinmyshoesbeforeujudge · 17/06/2019 09:15

I hope your dh got a father's day card from ddog!!

ReasonablyIntelligent · 28/06/2019 12:01

Just an update for anyone who's interested.
It's been 3 weeks since we got Skye and she's doing really well.

She snores like an old man and sits like a complete weirdo (see photo).

We're a little worried as she hobbles all stiff around the house and struggles to stand up (zero problems when on walks or playing though) so we've got her on supplements and a follow up vet appointment in a few weeks.

To adopt an 11 year old dog?
To adopt an 11 year old dog?
OP posts:
barcodescanner · 28/06/2019 12:07

Thanks for the update, she's obviously happy. Who wouldn't be

Branleuse · 28/06/2019 12:10

shes so lovely.
I expect she will be a bit stiff here and there. Good to get some supplements into her, and there are certain foods which have additives to help joints, like fish oil etc

Honeyroar · 28/06/2019 15:15

My elderly lab struggles sometimes too. We give him Yumove and a senior mix dog food. It seems to help a bit.

ReasonablyIntelligent · 28/06/2019 15:38

We give him Yumove and a senior mix dog food

That's exactly what we've got on her on.
She's been on the Yumove for about 2 weeks now, a little longer perhaps, the vet said it takes 2-4 weeks to kick in.

It kills me to see her struggling to get up and hobbling around.

OP posts:
TwoPupsAndaHamster · 28/06/2019 15:51

New to this thread. BC's are amazing dogs - well, those who have been given time and appropriate training.

That BC is stunning! 😍 If you hadn't got her I probably would have.... much to the chagrin of OH 😂

Well Done and Congratulations OP. Here's to a happy life with your new addition 🥂🍾 Wishing you all the very best of luck 😘

Honeyroar · 28/06/2019 20:03

We also massage/rub his his legs/hips when he's slow to get going, it helps. We don't walk him far now, he's always stiff in the evening if we do. He just does little ones now, and not too much ball throwing (I still throw it because he adores retrieving, but I throw it fairly close to him, or so he can catch it).

TamzinGrey · 11/07/2019 23:49

Beautiful girl. If she's arthritic I can very highly recommend these supplements ace-canine.com/product/flex_sprinkle/

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