Ill health and so yearn for another dog to love

[Bassetfeet]

would be very grateful for your thoughts on this .
DH has cancer that is in remission for now and still active although we are aware that can change .
I am unable to walk far now and dog walking is beyond what a dog needs .
But I can play and keep a dog company ....love and care .
We so miss having a dog . Our last lovely border collie died a few years ago wrapped in her blanket with me and DH with her .

It is selfish isn't it to take an animal that you cannot look after properly ?
I need someone to tell me me this .
We cannot afford vet bills although the PDSA were so kind when my old lass was ill.
Just miss having the patter of paws and the nose nudge to be tickled .
But am scared that it would be bad move when both our lives health wise is very unsure .
Thank you for any advice .

Could you foster a retired greyhound, they generally need lots of love and comfy sofas, but relatively little exercise. There are so many lovely dogs in need of a home, also anyone's circumstances can change.

Foster an older dog? Older dogs are generally harder to rehome, and rescue would pay vet bills.

Thank you mud and Through for kind replies . Yes to an older rescue dog. Like me they may just like a sofa, regular food and cuddle . Got me thinking this may be possible .

Exactly OP, There are so many lovely dogs in rescue through no fault of their own, especially older slower dogs. Do you have a garden s/he could potter in with you? Fostering will get the dog out of a kennel and into your home, great for the dog.

Have you got a rescue near you to go in and have a chat?

As above, go and speak to local rescues. Be honest.

Hopefully theres a dog for you out there.

Yes shutup there is a dog out there maybe for us .
better than kennels . Thank you .
Lots of rescue places to look at and be absolutely truthful with them re care we can give .
Much appreciated answers . It isn't the no no I thought it might be.

It may be worth contacting the Cinammon Trust ,they often need long term foster homes for dogs who have lost their owners ( often elderly ) and they pay vets bills etc .

I wouldn't mention though that you are reliant on charity for vet fees. They don't like that.

I would go the older dog route. But be aware that not all old dogs need less exercise - I had adpoted who was very very fit right up to her last day!

Greyhound/whippet route sounds sensible exercise wise. They are lovely dogs too.

Another one here who would absolutely suggest you'd make a perfect foster home for an oldie. And it's PERFECTLY FINE as a foster to accept help with vet's bills, food costs etc. Good foster homes are hard to find and rescues do not expect foster carers to foot the bills as well as providing the care, especially for oldies with complex health needs.

We have two long term fosters (both elderly greyhounds). For one we meet the routine costs (food, vax etc) - this is our choice. The rescue helps if/when she will need any extensive treatment (at the moment she is 12 and in excellent health). The other, we get help with all food costs, all vet bills etc.

I have a friend who also fosters oldies - she is on benefits so money is tight. The rescue bring her sacks of dog food and all dog vet bills are taken care of.

Good charities to try include the Cinnamon Trust and the Oldies Club. But there are lots of good rescues out there.

... or even do day care for someone out at work all day where the dog needs company as it'll be walked by the owner ...

An older dog would have a fabulous retirement with you and DH

Thank you all for replies and valuable advice . Very much appreciated .
Am now thinking rescue older sight hound may well be possible as foster .
A few questions ......blimey I sound a dithering fusspot .

How much exercise would an old sight hound need daily ? I am fortunate to have field next to my house and with my stroller aid could have slow stroll for 15 minutes several times a day . The dog would have to be on leash or maybe extending lead . Our garden is small but secure .
Lots of cats locally .

Our health is sadly an issue . Would the rescue who may allow us to foster take the dog back to re home ? I hate that idea but must be practical .
We would of course pay ourselves for food ,toys ,bedding and reasonable vet bills or give PDSA a decent donation as in the past .
Thank you .

Yes the dog would be taken back into rehome should you be unable to carry on fostering.

There will be plenty of dogs who would be suitable for your exercise/walking restrictions/ability. The rescue would know which dogs those are and be able to match you.