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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
Coffeetablejunk · 07/06/2019 08:24

I’m so excited for you OP, just read the whole thread. Please post lots of photos.

eurochick · 07/06/2019 09:13

I hope you are able to bring her home soon. I'm sure the rescue move will be stressful for her. I appreciate the rescues are staffed largely by volunteers but they can be immensely frustrating with their strict criteria. I'm not sure they are always in the best interests of the animals as your example proves. A loving but imperfect home must be better than life in a pen at a rescue.

H2OH20Everywhere · 07/06/2019 09:52

Hope everything goes well today, ReasonablyIntelligent!

Smellbow · 07/06/2019 10:08

I'm so invested in this thread - good luck for today and please take pictures Smile

ReasonablyIntelligent · 07/06/2019 10:38

Doggo!

We've just arrived home and she is running around very excitedly giving everything a good sniff

To adopt an 11 year old dog?
To adopt an 11 year old dog?
OP posts:
H2OH20Everywhere · 07/06/2019 10:40

Awwwww! She looks so happy! As do you and Mr RI!

I hope you have a FANTASTIC life together. Keep us updated, please!

ReasonablyIntelligent · 07/06/2019 10:45

Our big concern was that she wouldn't be affectionate as she didn't really want us touching her at the centre (nothing extreme, just shied away a bit) but as soon as she finished sniffing she comes and sits on our laps and licking our face and leaning in for cuddles.

I cried Blush

OP posts:
Magissa · 07/06/2019 10:48

She's beautiful. Those eyes! Such a happy ending. Congratulations

H2OH20Everywhere · 07/06/2019 10:49

Awwww! She sounds perfect. She was probably really unsettled at the centre, but now she's home she can relax with you.

I don't think you'll be getting up from the sofa for a while yet!

Please give her a big hug for me. From Skye (where I live), to Skye!

Walkamileinmyshoesbeforeujudge · 07/06/2019 10:59

She looks like she is smiling on the right pic!! Congratulations!

ReasonablyIntelligent · 07/06/2019 11:10

You can probably tell I'm crying in the last photo.
She is so so happy to be in a house, it's just radiating from her.

To adopt an 11 year old dog?
To adopt an 11 year old dog?
To adopt an 11 year old dog?
OP posts:
ChardonnaysPrettySister · 07/06/2019 11:15

This is so lovely.

H2OH20Everywhere · 07/06/2019 11:28

You can tell she's happy, she has a huge grin on her face (as do I)!

You two are obviously devoted to her already - she's a very, very lucky dog!

mamaofboyzz · 07/06/2019 11:31

Ohhh lovely I'm so happy for you all. She looks like she's just won the doggy lottery!!

Smellbow · 07/06/2019 11:35

I may or may not be having a wee tear at your photos.

You have done a beautiful thing and she is going to give it back to you a thousand times over.

Goes to find a tissue

BrightOink · 07/06/2019 11:38

Wowsa - Amazing. Good luck with the journey!

ReasonablyIntelligent · 07/06/2019 11:59

.

To adopt an 11 year old dog?
OP posts:
Rahul88 · 07/06/2019 12:09

My collie generally shies away from people, however he is generally just trying to find a ball or other throwable object to give to you Smile

Nquartz · 07/06/2019 12:23

I'm so glad I found this lovely thread, it has made my day Smile

Hairyheadphones · 07/06/2019 12:26

Op she’s lovely, how lovely you’ve all got each other.

StCharlotte · 07/06/2019 12:33

Sniff Smile

Toddlerteaplease · 07/06/2019 12:36

Aww that's so lonely. I hope you'll all be very happy.

MiddleClassProblem · 07/06/2019 12:37

❤️❤️❤️

Wonderful to see just how much of a difference you’ve made to her life already x

NoSquirrels · 07/06/2019 12:42

Oh beautiful! She is so pretty and looks so happy. And the snuggling! How wonderful for all 3 of you - enjoy it.

DieCryHate · 07/06/2019 12:49

Lovely photos, she's gorgeous. This made me feel all warm and fuzzy. Well done you!

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