Active discussions

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

Talk
Pets

Join our community on the Pet forum to discuss anything related to pets.

Original poster

Should we adopt this old girl

147 replies

Arabella91 · 07/03/2022 19:42

So my sister in law has just put her beautiful 9year old golden retriever into a shelter because she basically can't be bother with her anymore. Shes had a tough life and was neglected before my sister in law got her 5 or 6 years ago. Anyway I really want to take this dog in. But we have 2 cats and a 2year old, I know she is very good with kids and has been lovely since my sister in law has had her. This beautiful dog is in Ireland and we're in England so would be a big leap of faith bringing her over and im worried it will be a disaster. I just know we could provide a lovely retirement home for her and would never give up on her like her previous owners. Should we go for it?

OP posts:
Original poster
Arabella91 · 07/03/2022 19:42

.... or am I being really unrealistic

OP posts:
ABitBesotted · 07/03/2022 19:44

I would. My mother was always taking on relatives'elderly dogs. They were among the best dogs of my childhood.

3001signon · 07/03/2022 19:44

We’re you planning to get a dog anyway?
How will the dog fit into your lifestyle, Holidays, family, home?
It would be lovely if you could get her. She must be so miserable and confused in the shelter Sad

Movingonup22 · 07/03/2022 19:45

Oh yes please - I think you already love her! So long as you have the resources.

Munchcrip · 07/03/2022 19:46

Yesss please definitely take her home. Poor thing

FrankGrillosFloof · 07/03/2022 19:47

Assuming you’re set up for this, please do OP. That poor dog must be so upset and confused at being abandoned.

moonbedazzled · 07/03/2022 19:49

I've adopted a few animals that haven't got long left and it's so rewarding to give them a great last few years. It's so kind of you to think of doing it.

Anyfeckinusername · 07/03/2022 19:50

Oh do it. The poor old girl.

To bring a dog over she’ll get an EU passport a rabies jab. She can travel three weeks after the date of the jab.

We brought our dog over from Ireland (not a rescue). She needed full up to date jabs obviously and a specific worm dose plus the rabies jab but a vet will advise you/her of everything needed for travel. Presume she’s chipped and all that?

SheldonesqueTheBstard · 07/03/2022 19:52

Do it.

And may blessings come your way.

You have the potential to make an older lady very happy.

I’m not just talking about the dog here… 💜

shewillhaveherway · 07/03/2022 19:52

Yes I would. And I think you are doing a wonderful thing. I’m sure there will be others point out the obvious obstacles - your pussy cats, a young child etc but I am assuming you know/have spent time with the dog and are aware of it’s personality and whether it will fit into a family situation. You know she is good with children. And similarly you know your pets and whether introducing a new animal to them would be an absolute no go or not.

If you think it can work (and I’m sure there will be moments where you think what have I done) then yes, absolutely please do and I hope you have a wonderful and happy future together. X

SalsaLove · 07/03/2022 19:55

I would be concerned about how your cats would adjust, or not. They were there first. Golden retrievers are highly sought after dogs, perhaps a rescue would take her?

Barkingmadhouse · 07/03/2022 19:56

Adopt her - as an older girl it is likely her only chance at a new home. Most people don't want to take on an older dog so she is unlikely to be adopted by someone else

SalsaLove · 07/03/2022 19:57

I write this as someone who adopted a cat who got relinquished to a shelter because she didn’t “settle” with the new dog. They’d had her for 5 years. She got chucked out in favour of the dog. I’m not saying you would do that but these things don’t always work out the way we might wish.

Hoppinggreen · 07/03/2022 19:58

If you don’t want to take her speak to Irish Retriever Rescue
They can help find a foster in Ireland ASAP and then help with transport over here either to you or they will find someone else

winterchills · 07/03/2022 20:01

Please do! The poor dog 🥺

Londoncallingtothefarawaytowns · 07/03/2022 20:02

Nothing ventured … ?
They’re a great family dog.
Just have some pennies ready for any meds soon for her old elbows and knees ok?
Get hider holes for the cats, feliway and watch them carefully for signs of a stressy urine infection. And if the bedroom is their place,it should remain so.
And get a good hoover cos they caste looooads.

SunshineCake1 · 07/03/2022 20:04

My retriever lives with three cats. Two were here first and one has come after the dog. All get along fine but if they aren't feeling it there is space to get away.

Nine isn't old though. Be prepared for a good few years.

Lou573 · 07/03/2022 20:14

Yes, do it. Our two 11 year old grumpy cats totally rule the roost and are very much top of the pecking order above our 6 month old goldie. They’re very adaptable.

Happenchance · 07/03/2022 20:19

I wouldn't. A golden retriever will find a home no problem in Ireland and it will save her the stress of being transported to England.

Original poster
Arabella91 · 07/03/2022 20:34

Thank you so much everyone for all your wise words and support. There's a lot to think about and like many have said the cats are my biggest concern as I don't want to unsettle them, but I will make sure they get free reign upstairs all to themselves. I think we will adopt this beautiful girl and give her the best golden years! @Happenchance I will discuss this with the shelter tomorrow and if they say they think she will be very popular despite her age, or have a good home lined up I will reconsider because I know travelling to England will be stressful for her. I just cant bare her being in a kenel for 1 minute longer than she has to be.

OP posts:
3001signon · 08/03/2022 15:45

Did you manage to speak to the shelter? Will you be able to have her?
I hope you realise that, if you do bring her home, you have to post her picture Grin

Original poster
Arabella91 · 08/03/2022 19:45

Hey @3001signon yes I spoke to the shelter this morning and they basically said because of her age they would find it really hard to rehome her. We ARE taking her. My husband is going over on Monday (which feels like a life time away) to pick our girl up and bring her home. We have an orthopedic bed on order for her and are getting advice on the best way to introduce her to our cats. I'm being realistic about the adjustment but I honestly can't wait to have her. I will for sure post pictures when she's home. Here's a pic of her today that the shelter sent over. She looks so sad

Should we adopt this old girl
OP posts:
CatCuddler999 · 08/03/2022 19:47

Oh bless her heart. Well done for taking her in and giving her the love she deserves ❤️

SheldonesqueTheBstard · 08/03/2022 19:48

She is beautiful.

And lucky.

Best wishes 🌻 🐾 🐾

Gruffalogrinch · 08/03/2022 19:53

Aw what a beautiful girl OP. Come back and keep us posted ❤️❤️ and hugs for your lovely girl.

Swipe left for the next trending thread