Advice please

[Bassetfeet]

Thank you in advance . We are a retired couple with various health issues at age 70 and 60. Always had beloved dogs mainly collies . We dog sit a Basset beagle cross. This looks to end soon .
I so yearn for a dog of my own still. But worry if we get one and get unable to walk it properly or afford care as on basic pension ?
Not fair on the dog is it ?

All my life I have loved dogs so much ....but afraid that in this uncertain time of ill health and little money that getting an older or rescue dog will be a bad move for the lovely animal and us.
I think by writing this I know it is not right to have another dog .
Ah well your opinions and advice or comfort much appreciated . I just need to talk with the doghouse folk .

Firstly, if you want a dog and you could manage one then don't be without one because of "what ifs". I don't know the extent of your ill health but you still have to live life and as experienced owners you know the level of commitment needed. Don't rule out getting another dog (perhaps not a collie!). Alternatively, could you foster dogs?

I have to say I think you are right. I used to be more open minded but I have a couple of experiences now through my rescue work with older owners not being able to meet their dogs needs and it has convinced me it is generally not in the best interests of the dog. If you were both fit and healthy I might think differently but if you already both have health issues then taking on even an older dog (and a 5-10 year) commitment does not seem wise.

Just realised that sounds very unsympathetic. If I am lucky enough to reach a good old age I know it will be heartbreaking to have to give up having my own dogs and I do feel for you.

Look at rescue greyhounds, little walking and need love and affection.

Oh Bassetfeet there must be a way! Your post made me really sad.

Is there anyone locally who you could help care for their dog or would that not be the same? Walks and maybe looking after during the day if someone was at work? Sure they would be very grateful to know that their dog was being well cared for.

If you fostered a dog from one of the breed rescue places they often help with vet's bills and you could take on an older dog possibly with not such great longevity expectations or exercise needs?

I really hope that you can get something sorted as you sound like lovely owners.

What about fostering dogs - have you thought about it at all? You could contact the Oldies Club, your local rescues etc to see what they say, if you explain your circumstances. Many rescues use fosterers and you could always help out a few times a year, depending on how you feel.

You could also think about helping out on an occasional basis as a walker for a rescue centre - my local greyhound rescue lets people walk their dogs daily (but you don't have to go every day if you don't want/can't).

The Cinammon Trust also recruits volunteers to help people (someone just out of hospital, for example,) who need help with walking their dogs. Good luck!

I am also going to suggest the oldies club and the cinnamon trust as options for you. The other one is poodles in need who are often desparate for foster families for elderly poodles.

Thank you so much for your replies .. I got a bit emotional today when out for a walk and met so many lovely dogs and their owners .
I didnt realise that maybe we could foster or walk rescue dogs so am going to definitely look into this .
Our home has always had doggy footprints in it . thank you for kind words and advice .

How about adopting an oldie? A friend of mine's mum ( in her early80's) did this and got a lovely old lady with one tooth- both fairly sprightly at times (short walk twice a day).
So far Tilly has - improved ladys health by ensuring she gets fresh air twice a day, cured my dog phobic teenage ds ( and trained him to retrieve her ball if it goes onto laminate flooring (smile)and probably frightened off a "distraction burglar" with her booming bark.
This dog was given up by her owners in favour of a new puppy, apparently !

• her ds, mines had no choice in this family (grin)