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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
Milkand2sugarsplease · 28/05/2019 09:23

What a happy story. Fingers crossed your home visit happens soon and she can come home with you ASAP.

HisBetterHalf · 28/05/2019 09:24

Such a lovely thing to do

H2OH20Everywhere · 28/05/2019 09:37

That's wonderful news! Am so thrilled for you all!

I presume there will be pictures of her once she's settled into her new home.....???

ApricotCrush · 28/05/2019 16:58

Oh, how lovely, I'm so pleased for you both and for Skye. I kept this thread open on my PC to check if you'd got her. She's gorgeous.

DirtyDennis · 28/05/2019 17:07

Thank you for updating, OP. I'm absolutely thrilled for you. She's lovely and you'll have a brilliant life together.

Please come back and update us again after the home visit.

FWIW, when we had our first home visit we were basically living in a squat (no kitchen, no carpets, no wallpaper anywhere) but the RSPCA were really understanding about renovations. They were basically only concerned with how renovations would affect the dog (i.e. it'd be noisy and we were adopting a nervous dog so we'd put creche in place etc.).

MrsTommyBanks · 28/05/2019 17:47

What a lovely thread Smile
I'm really happy for you all.
My rescue is 6 years old, and been with me for two months. It's like we have been together years.

H2OH20Everywhere · 01/06/2019 10:32

Have you had the home visit yet? Will she be home soon?

H2OH20Everywhere · 03/06/2019 15:39

Any news @ReasonablyIntelligent ?

ReasonablyIntelligent · 03/06/2019 17:14

We've just passed the home visit!

We should be able to pick her up tomorrow! 🎉🎉🎉

OP posts:
SunnyForMe · 03/06/2019 17:15

Great news! Congratulations!

H2OH20Everywhere · 03/06/2019 17:17

That's superb!

I assume we'll get more pictures when she's finally home????

You'll have to give her lots of hugs from us all!

bumble270 · 03/06/2019 17:20

Saw this thread late but just wanted to say congratulations OP! Reading all your updates has made me well up! Congratulations to you all Grin

sanmiguel · 03/06/2019 17:21

Ahh amazing thread. Just to add to others, we adopted ours at nearly 9. We had the same reservations as you, esp given we have DC and work FT. We do not regret it for a minute. Hard work in the beginning as we also needed some help from a dog psychologist as ours had been in an abusive household but was all worth it.

We've had the most amazing adventures through his retirement. At 14, he's now hung up his hiking boots but still with us bringing the joy.

wavingfuriously · 03/06/2019 17:21

go and do it ! she looks lovely and you are doing something fantastic...
Have worked as a volunteer in various dog shelters and the older dogs are generally calmer, exuding peace somehow, loving and very gorgeous Smile

wavingfuriously · 03/06/2019 17:23

aww..read the last few posts ..can you let us know how you get on with her please? any issues we're always here for encouragement Smile

MiddleClassProblem · 03/06/2019 17:25

Huge congratulations!

TheFaerieQueene · 03/06/2019 17:25

That is wonderful. That tear in my eye is hay fever, I tell you.

What a beautiful girl. Many happy years together.

Doidontimmm · 03/06/2019 17:28

Aww I have a tear in my eye!

user1465335180 · 03/06/2019 17:45

Older dogs find it much harder to get a new home so I think this is a lovely idea Op. I hope you and your new friend will have many happy times together

ReasonablyIntelligent · 03/06/2019 18:40

I'll post pictures ASAP, promise!

OP posts:
H2OH20Everywhere · 03/06/2019 18:41

Grin Thank you!

MrsTommyBanks · 03/06/2019 18:42

Bloody dusty in here

StCharlotte · 03/06/2019 18:48

Oh that's wonderful! We've had our rescue Lab for ten years this month (we think he"s 13). I wish they could talk. I'm sure your girl will be saying "Oh thank you oh thank you oh thank you" for days to come. It's really very emotional Smile

Walkamileinmyshoesbeforeujudge · 03/06/2019 18:54

Congratulations on your new 'baby'!!

MardAsSnails · 03/06/2019 19:42

Yey!!

I have 3 old gits on our retirement rug. 15, 12 and 11. We’ve had the 15 year old for 5 years now, the 12 year old 1 year, and the 11 year old for 3.

2 have never lived in houses before but have been wonderful.

Your lovely old girl will love you so much. All my old gits (including the one we lost 😢) have taken a little bit to get used to being in a proper home setting after kennels, but are so so loving.

Old doggies deserve good homes, comfy beds, and lots of snuggles. Well done for doing this for her.

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