Am I being selfish to get a dog?

[Craftysue]

I'm in my early 50's and I have had rheumatoid arthritis for 20 years. I'm on medication and I am seen regularly by my rheumatology team.
I've always wanted a dog but both my husband and I worked full time and didn't think it was fair to leave a dog for hours at a time.
Sadly my husband died a couple of years ago and I was medically retired from work. I now run a small business from home.
I've been thinking about getting a rescue dog but I wonder if it's unfair. I can't walk very far but I have lots of dog walkers near me who are highly recommended by friends.
I really don't know what to do - I would love to get a dog but I want to be fair to the dog as well.
Any thoughts welcome please

How about an older ddog? Get insurance so you don't get caught out with any age related events...

I think you could be the answer to a little dogs prayers. Especially if you have a wee garden. In your situation I'd get a mid life/older dog who has lost its owners due to (owner) illness/death/care home. An older owner lots of love, quiet home... what's not to love about that for the right dog??

A small dog older dog would be really happy with your situation.

I agree with PP that an small older dog in a rescue could be perfect! One that needs a loving home in their retirement. If you get a young energetic dog (even small ones need a lot of walking) you might find you need the dog walker a lot more.

Go for it. Dogs are a joy and bring so much to your life. A dog walker is a great idea, gives the dog a range of experience and you a break.
Local rescues are as good as the national ones in my experience

Thanks - I would like to get an older dog and I do have a decent sized back garden. I've already looked at pet insurance. It's just the daily walking that I'm concerned about, but I'm happy to get a dog walker

May I suggest a lurcher? Don't need long walks. Mine prefer a zoomie and a snooze.. Very underestimated pets ime.
We have 2 dcats and other ddogs and all get along.

My friend has a rescue greyhound. She says he's marvellous- needs one jaunt a day and happy to flop beside her on the sofa for the rest of the day ( she's a writer). So that might be a good breed for you.

Mind you those lurchers also look awfully cute @Beautifulbythebay .

Have you seen the premiums and cover conditions/exclusions for older dogs?

Loads of older dogs need homes.

Maybe try fostering.

Don't deny yourself the joy a dog can give you and the wonderful home you could give a dog, just look into getting the right kind of dog that you can manage. I think it will be lovely for you both

Yes! You will be the best Mum and the benefits of having a dog are so rewarding and Therapeutic. What most dogs want is to be cared for and you can arrange the exercise, as you said, even if days going for a short walk on an extendable lead, fresh air and sniffing. Any dog will appreciate a loving home with you, unlike some who are left, ignored, kept outside etc. Please do it! Xx

How about a rescue Lhasa Apso? Happy with a couple of short walks abd the ultimate lap dog.

A rescue woukd probably be very happy with your set up

Perfect, good sized garden, a loving home. ❤️

Talk to your local refuge and explain your situation, and that you are prepared to pay for a daily dog walker. They may have the perfect dog for your situation, or will keep a look out for one.

I so hope you enjoy having a dog at last, so good for your health, mental, emotional and physical. And it is jut wonderful for a dog that needs a really good, loving home.

Do get back to us as and when.

Surely a Lhasa Apso would be far too much work, especially with that coat. They can be very happy too.

It doesn't sound selfish at all to me, you sound responsible re the dog walker and if you had an older dog it sounds like that would suit you better. There must be so many rescue doggies looking for homes right now with the cost of living :(

Sorry, I meant yes to getting one and NO to being selfish. Got a bit excited because I'm excited for you to get one, sorry. Xx

This. Some little dog in a rescue centre will be very lucky and happy indeed to have you as their new owner, OP!

DFriend has one but has it clipped. DDog seems really happy with two short walks a day and has lived to 16 so far with no health problems.

Thank you - I will definitely have a look at a local shelter. I'm really not too bothered about breed so that should make it easier

Dog owner here

Go for it.
The main thing they want is company 💕

My friend has a rescue greyhound - all he does all day is sleep!

Can I suggest that you contact a charity called The Oldies Club - they rehome dogs over 8 who’s owners have often died, or are in homes, so are used to restricted walking. https://www.oldies.org.uk/