Sad encounter with old man in park just. :-(

[tiredemma]

We have been taking our Spaniel puppy walking in the local park really frequently since she has had her jabs. On a number of occasions we have seen the same old man with his very, very old golden labrador. He has stopped to chat etc- complimented us on our pup, his dog had a fair old sniff around our dog etc etc.
Saw him today - minus his dog - she passed away at the weekend. She was 15 years old- he (and his late wife) had her as a pup. He looked so desperately sad, I actually started welling up as he spoke to me.
He is still walking the same route that he did with his dog. God its so sad. I don't even know him but feel utterly devastated for him.
My 8 year old (tactless) asked him- "why don't you go and get another dog?"-
He replied that he was "too old" now

have horrible mental image of him being at home alone with no companion.

:( This has made me cry. I hope you and your pup can bring some sunshine to him. Poor man.

Me too Better. Maybe she will go on the park today and report back to us later. I really hope she sees him again. If not hopefully some of the other 'regulars' dog walkers etc on the park will know him or where he lives. I found a dog one day outside my house and I recognised it as belonging to a new dog walker I had seen on the park. I asked a few people from the park and within ten minutes it was reunited - it belonged to the visiting family of one of the 'regulars'. So fingers crossed.

DH's Grandma re-homed a dog when she was in her mid 80's. He was an older dog of about six and gave her a decade of loving companionship. She outlived him by a couple of years, and those years were sadder for her being dogless for the first time, but she felt that 94 was too old to get another one.

Helly that's the only thing isnt it ? I thought long and hard about getting my dad his old dog he's got now as l thought with both their ages it's touch and go who outlives who really and l thought am l setting my dad up for more grief if he outlives this dog. But you cant really live life thinking like that can you and the dog brings him (and vice versa) so much happiness now - whatever the future holds.

I think as long as there is a home lined up for the dog if the owner goes first then it is a really good thing for both. DH's Grandma was so much happier for having her little Jack Russel.

I've been balling up my fists all weekend so I couldn't click on this thread - how very sad. I do hope you meet the old gent again op. I'm properly sobbing for him now.

You are so kind to go back looking for him.

It's heartbreaking :( I guess it's good he's still out walking the route and probably thinking of happy memories, but it's very bitter-sweet. I hope you see him again too and hope he's got some people around him.

Oh this is sad :( I often well up thinking about what I will do when my dog goes - and he is only 8 months!!
I think it is a lovely thing to offer him to walk with you x

Bump

Any news OP ?

that Mindyourown is being nosey

But yes op any news?

@Hokey.

Yes I agree - l'm a bit of a misnomer really arent I?

Mi hearts in the right place though !

Oh . Just saw this thread. My eyes are leaking a bit.

Poor man .

Hi- sorry.

I haven't seen him at all since that last time.

I am still looking out for him though.

Ahh that's a shame - I'm sure he'll be fine, they are made of stern stuff these older generation you know. Maybe some of the 'regulars' might throw some light on how he is or who he is or whatever.

I'm sure you'll see him again one day but if not - you can only do so much and you are obviously a very kind lady and are setting a lovely example in caring about others to your little ones.

Seen him!

He has another dog!

Im not sure if the dog is his as I wasn't close enough to talk, but he was at the park, strolling along with a (fairly old looking) Collie.

I hope its his new companion.

That is so sad. The pain he must be feeling is something that I dont want to go through again.

Maybe when you meet him again you could tell him that Guide Dogs struggle to rehome old Ex guide dogs and I mean the ones who are10+ - I have one just now that is 14 that would be ideal for this man. Not that I would give him up, he is going to live his last part of life with my family, but there are others out there, well trained, fantastic dogs who nobody else wants because of age.

If you want more details, feel free to PM me.

Oh how lovely, I was just about to delete this form my watched threads & you updated. Whether its his dog or one he has "borrowed" no matter, it'll get him out & about!

I have been lurking on here since you first posted. I felt so awful for the poor man, but am thrilled by your update. Thank you for keeping your eye out for him.

:)
Glad you have seen him x

Hoorah! So glad for this update OP!

Just found this thread and had a little cry, then read that you have seen him with another dog. Hurrah.

I see a man walking his lovely shaggy GS every morning, and the last few mornings he has been alone. I almost stopped the car to ask if something had happened to his dog, but today it was back again.

Ahhhh! Have been watching and hoping for an update. So pleased he has a new companion!

Thanks for update - made me smile :)