Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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
Historydweeb · 27/05/2019 20:29

Such a nice update 😍

StCharlotte · 27/05/2019 20:37

Lovely news!

Ellieboolou27 · 27/05/2019 20:39

@ReasonablyIntelligent I am so happy for you and the dog, she's a beauty and very lucky to have found you - this post has made my evening 🐾

ilovesooty · 27/05/2019 20:47

Great news.

Nearlythere1 · 27/05/2019 20:50

im so happy for you all, i hope everybody gets love and joy from it, which i know you all will x

ThisIsNotMyRealName1 · 27/05/2019 20:55

Yay!! So happy (and relieved) for you and Skye and Mr RI :)

tensmum1964 · 27/05/2019 20:56

Have loved reading this post. Congratulations. Please keep us updated, I feel invested now Smile

Guineapiggiesmalls · 27/05/2019 20:57

Fantastic news, congratulations on your new family member!

UrsulaPandress · 27/05/2019 21:01

Yay!!!

Mammylamb · 27/05/2019 21:02

Congratulations!!! I am delighted you choose to give it a go! She’s beautiful

Idlikeabunchofbananasplease · 27/05/2019 21:02

Go for it,

Nicecupofcoco · 27/05/2019 21:11

What a wonderful thing you've done op!
She sounds very wanted and will be very lucky to be rehomed with you!

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 27/05/2019 21:19

Lovely update Grin

My DParents adopted an older dog ( though they had the advantage that she was a Guide Dog belonging to a friend of the family so they knew her most of her life)

Yes there are adjustments to be made for an older dog but to share their golden years is a privelidge . (cannot spell it)

Skye -look forward to this new episode in your life .

MumOfTwoMasterOfNone · 27/05/2019 21:22

How lovely, I'm so glad there are lovely people like you in the world that do things like this! She is beautiful and I hope she brings you so much joy.

harriethoyle · 27/05/2019 21:31

Amazing ❤❤❤

Toddlerteaplease · 27/05/2019 21:32

So glad she's got a home!

Myyearmytime · 27/05/2019 21:59

Good luck with home visit.

Aimily · 27/05/2019 22:03

Brilliant news!!! I hope your home visit goes amazingly 😁

BettyBooJustDoinTheDoo · 27/05/2019 22:07

This update has made my day!

SirVixofVixHall · 27/05/2019 23:40

So happy for you all op ! She will have a wonderful old age with you.

Blackjack15 · 28/05/2019 00:59

You can't beat the love from an older dog. So rewarding.

Heshotmedown · 28/05/2019 01:07

I’m so glad I didn’t find this thread until there was a happy update. I hope the home visit goes well and that you are all enjoying every happiness and lots of walks and snuggles very soon.

sueelleker · 28/05/2019 08:47

What's her name?

Rubberduckies · 28/05/2019 09:06

Our family adopted a (very overweight) 10yr old collie as our first dog. She was the perfect introduction to dog ownership and although 10, once she lost some weight she was super active and fot and would come for long runs while we cycled. We had her for 4 year and they were brilliant.

If you find she can't quite cope with flyball or agility - look for a hoopers class near you. The same brain work without the impact on older joints.

Hearthside · 28/05/2019 09:06

Fab news op ❤i hope the home visit goes well and Skye is home with you soon .