I would like to adopt an old dog

[whatever17]

I know that sounds weird - I have an 8 month old puppy who is wonderful. I think an old dog would be lovely - am I being silly?

BUT, I am happy to do normal pet insurance but what about a dog with a serious health prob.

I think an old dear would really fit in well.

I am in SW London - thoughts?

I'm too far away, sorry. I'm still hoping Pagwatch will take me though.

What do you mean?

i know i know i know! get a lovely retired greyhound from hersham hounds. i would, if i wasn't working full time. they are gorgeous, and gentle, and don't need to run miles every day and they LEAN ON YOU.

I just didn't know how much I would love my puppy. I can't say I am experienced. But I think my heart is in the right place and we try hard. I would like to give an old, snuggly dog a chance.

Someone who wants a lot of quiet and cuddles. And to sleep in my bed and snuggle.

There are dogs like that - I was thinking an old Maltese. Just an old slug-a-bed.

I think a lot of old dogs might struggle to cope with a lively puppy. However some will be great. You might need to wait a while to find the right dog is all.

This site is dedicated to helping find homes for older dogs.

I was just going to link to the site Dooin has just linked to.

I also would love to adopt an old dog but can't because we work so many hours. I spent a good few hours going through that site getting all emotional.

I was being flippant, sorry

Seriously, I would probably wait until the pup is a bit less exuberant. I am having a few problems attempting to walk my four year old terrier with my four month old Cavvy pup, because the older dog gets very protective of her around other dogs, and snarls etc. if they approach, which I don't want. So for now, I have to exercise them separately. I would also worry that a much older dog would feel harassed and badgered by an energetic puppy desperate to play constantly. I don't have this issue, luckily, but it is certainly a possibility.

My pup is actually very chilled.

Another one here who thinks that if you have a young pup you should wait until they are out of their adolescence, at least.

Some older dogs will have health issues - for instance, our 12 year old greyhound bitch has arthritis and has problems with younger, bouncy dogs, so much so that she is now very defensive on walks, bless her. Some older dogs might be able to cope with a mithering pup, but many won't. So wait for just a bit.

Another option in the meantime is to consider volunteering for Cinnamon Trust - your dog might be a good companion for a dog that you walk for an elderly person? You'd also have the huge satisfaction of helping an elderly or ill person at a time when they need it.

What kind of pup have you got, whatever?

he is a border terrier x westie.

but he is all border in temperament, super chilled.

I like Rosie

www.oldies.org.uk/?p=43704

I will call up about her tmw

Kym has just made DH cry but [blesshim] . He claims to hate dogs, except his "Baby Waby" aka dd1's Whippet. He'd take Kym home were it not for Devil Dog who is not remotely calm and dd2 who is under 8 and also not remotely calm.

Kym is too far for us.

look for a do-do in London.

We say "take the do-do for a wo-wo"

if we say the walk word he goes nuts.

We adopted an old golden retreiver - aged 10 - from the dogs trust in Norfolk many years ago. They've a rehoming centre in London I think. He was great, fabulous manners (as much as dogs can have good manners) and very well house trained. Lovely old chap, lasted nearly another 5 years, loved cuddles, chasing squirrels and having his paw held.

Agree that you should wait. An older dog may well not be able to cope with a pup and you may find they have different exercise requirements which could cause hell with your family's routine and the amount of free time you have, especially if you need to walk seperately, either now or in the future as the older dog gets older still.

Agree also that you might consider fostering. Not just via the Oldies or CT, also have a word with Gladys who runs Pro Dogs Direct in London - she's lovely. Most of her rescues stay in the home until they are placed with a new family but occasionally she has those who need out immediately and fosterers are much preferred to boarding kennels when that happens.

Also ask the Mayflower and All Dogs Matter about fostering perhaps.

that no one spotted the genius of your post bof..

Some of the oldies are only 7- one of that age would be able to get on with a yonger dog and have years of long walks and fun ahead of them. A 7 year old will find it hard to be rehomed because public perception will not be positive.