DPs have always had labradors. Their much loved dog died of cancer a year ago and they were devastated.
Now they've recovered emotionally they are feeling the need to take on another dog for company and exercise and I said I'd help. Since they are both in their late 60s and DF is not in brilliant health a puppy is agreed to be not a good idea. They'd like another labrador, but I worry about size and strength - DM is quite petite and would struggle with a large dog nowadays unless it was exceptionally well trained, though a smaller labrador bitch might work I guess. In my mind a knee-height mongrel/spaniel is the ideal dog, though I'm not an expert. I think a Staffy would be a very tough sell to them, as would anything minature.
Otherwise they're model owners - at home much of each day, large fenced garden, lots of areas for long rural walks, enough disposable income not to worry about vets bills and generally soppy about dogs. No other dogs, no cats, but since the area they would be walking in is very popular with dog walkers something that's dog aggressive would be a problem. Also needs to be compatible with our well dog trained children (6 and 10).
What's the best way to go about looking for a suitable rescue animal? Any other hints or things to bear in mind? When is good to look? Straight after Christmas? New Year? What age would be good?
They're in the South East, but more than happy to travel to collect (though home checks would need to be done I guess, so better to find somewhere local).