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The doghouse

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Original poster

Would you rehome a 16 year old dog?

79 replies

BonnesVacances · 01/10/2017 08:02

A bit of background first. DD(15) is a huge animal lover and wants to work with animals when she's older. She has ME/CFS and has been ill for nearly 2 years. She's desperate for a dog, but more so now for the company at home. I also know that it'd help getting her out the house and give her a mental health boost.

But DH and I both work and are out of the house all day so it wouldn't be fair on the dog when DD is better and back at school etc. Also we don't actually feel we can make a commitment for that length of time, especially when DC will both leave home at some point and we'll still have a dog!

So onto now. A friend of mine has shared a Facebook post about a 16 year old border collie whose owner has gone into care and the dog is now in kennels. It's looking for a home to spend the rest of its life in.

I was wondering how feasible it would be to offer this poor doggie a home. He'd have a lot of love and company and if able, would take it to see its owner in the care home. DD & DS (12) would be made aware that he is very old and that imminent upset would be on the cards when he goes. In fact it was DD's idea to offer a retirement home to a dog anyway to solve the time commitment issue.

My family all have dogs so we are realistic about the daily commitment of walks and not leaving him all day etc. But maybe less so about what it's like to live with an old dog. DH is saying no as he just doesn't want a dog so I'd like to show that I've looked into it properly and addressed whatever issues might be thrown up.

Any thoughts or advice please? Thanks.

OP posts:
birchandrowan · 03/10/2017 11:09

Please let us know if it works out. My old boy has tumours now and I don't know how long he's got, but he was a neglect case and it's a good feeling to know he's enjoying home comforts and his beloved walks in his last months/years.

dotdotdot3 · 03/10/2017 15:23

I'm so pleased you might be taking this dog on - older dogs can be incredibly rewarding, and although heartbreaking when they do go, making their last few months/years comfortable and loving is a wonderful experience. I'm sure your daughter will learn a lot from this dog, given the chance.

My last dog lived to be very nearly 18 years old and although she obviously slowed down a lot (arthritis) and needed an adapted diet (very slowly fading kidneys) she was still intermittently sprightly and definitely got a lot out of life up to her last day. There are not always expensive vets bills either (although you should be prepared for it); my dog had hydrotherapy for her joints, which she enjoyed and which kept her reasonably fit, and I did a home cooked diet for her rather than using the very costly 'prescription food'. The latter required some research but was not in itself expensive. She died suddenly - she'd had a normal walk in the morning and within an hour of coming home had gone blind. The vet believed it was a stroke or possibly a brain tumour which was just beginning to exert pressure. Over the next few hours she declined further and was put to sleep at home later that day.

The one thing which made a world of difference to her as she got older was having company. If you can offer the dog kindness and company then you are much more than half way there.

Good luck!

Original poster
BonnesVacances · 04/10/2017 07:45

The owner's daughter is bringing him round to meet us on Sunday and presumably to check he feels comfortable in our house. If all goes well, we'll give him a home.

DD and I popped into see him at the kennels (because she couldn't wait till Sunday) and we had a chat with one of the girls there. DD took him for a little walk around the car park and she managed that fine, in that he didn't pull or anything. So she'll be able to take him out on her own during the day. He was sniffing around and was happy enough.

I've told the owner's daughter than we'd be happy for her to bring him to see her mother at the care home whenever she'd like to see him. It must be very difficult when you get so old that you have to not only leave your house, but your dog too. Sad

And here's a picture of him. He's called Brandy (but because I'm also getting old I keep calling him Bradley or Barney!)

Would you rehome a 16 year old dog?
OP posts:
birchandrowan · 04/10/2017 07:54

He's beautiful and doesn't look anything like his age!

Erica891 · 04/10/2017 08:35

It really depends on the dog's health condition and behavior. There are a lot to consider specially when you have little ones you know would come in contact with them. I'd say the dog's health and temperament plays a very crucial factor.

megp89 · 04/10/2017 11:19

Aww, he's cute, doesn't look his age either! Glad DD was able to walk him OK. That would be so lovely if he could visit his old owner in the care home too, it must have been so hard for the lady to give him up. Hope it all goes well on Sunday :)

fatowl · 04/10/2017 11:25

We adopted an elderly retriever about 18 months ago.
She came from a rescue and we don't know how old she is but the vet thinks about 10-12.
We're her retirement home, have never regretted it. She's still got a lot of love in her.
She goes for her morning plod and sniff, then snoozes most of the day. She's just happy to have her humans around and chatting to her.

We know we won't have her in probably 2-3 years time, We'll PTS as soon as she is no longer happy and content with life, she's been through too much to suffer anymore.

Would you rehome a 16 year old dog?
Santawontbelong · 04/10/2017 11:27

Those sparkling eyes have loads of life left in them!!
Our collie cross lived til she was 21 and wasn't on any sort of medication!!.
Maybe Brandy needs a fb page to keep people updated?

Original poster
BonnesVacances · 15/10/2017 07:08

So we have Brandy! Smile

He's settled in well and has now found his voice. DD has started a blog for him. If anyone would like the link, PM me. I don't want to link it directly to this thread, if that's ok?

OP posts:
Slartybartfast · 15/10/2017 09:56

aw best of luck and enjoyment x

rightsaidfrederickII · 15/10/2017 12:32

I, too, would take her so I'm really glad you're going to meet her with a view to taking her on. It sounds like she will be a great fit for your family for the time she's with you.

If for any reason it doesn't work out, you may like to consider fostering - most local rescue organisations have a scheme where dogs that need a bit of extra love / aren't coping in kennels are fostered by local families until a forever home is found, and they usually cover your costs e.g. www.battersea.org.uk/dogs/fostering-dogs

There''s also a national scheme specifically for old dogs www.oldies.org.uk/get/fostering-dogs

rightsaidfrederickII · 15/10/2017 12:33

Sorry I somehow missed your last post - so glad to hear Brandy has found a new home!

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 15/10/2017 12:37

What a lovely story OP. Could I have a link to the blog please, I'd love to read it.

Orangebird69 · 15/10/2017 12:38

OP, I'd love to have the link! Just caught up with this thread. Your daughter sounds like a fabulous compassionate young lady. I have tears in my eyes now reading that you've taken the dog in 💓. Fatowl's pic didn't help 😭😭

Orangebird69 · 15/10/2017 12:46

Lovely blog and pics OP. Your dd is certainly putting the effort in! Look forward to more pics when she posts them x

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 15/10/2017 12:50

Thanks OP, have had a quick read, he sounds adorable. I'll keep following his progress.

MardAsSnails · 15/10/2017 12:50

Lucky Brandy!

if it was me I wouldn't have waited so long, but I'm a sucker for a sob story

witchofzog · 15/10/2017 12:55

I have a border collie cross and they are amazing dogs. Brandy look a just lovely.

I would love a link to the blog too please Smile

witchofzog · 15/10/2017 13:00

This my border collie cross. He is a rescue dog and around 13

Would you rehome a 16 year old dog?
xqwertyx · 15/10/2017 13:03

I think you should do it. You could change everything for him in his wind down before rainbow bridge, and he could change a lot for you too Flowers would love pic of him if possibly!

xqwertyx · 15/10/2017 13:03

*possible

birchandrowan · 15/10/2017 13:04

So glad he's settling in well.

The old boy I rehomed at fifteen died a few days ago after eight months of home comforts, lots of walks and good food. He was a real character.

xqwertyx · 15/10/2017 13:06

Sorry OP just seen you have found a spot for him, sooo pleased for you all, i dont think i can get messages but ill try and find the blog online. Either way fab newsGrinGrin

confusedandemployed · 15/10/2017 13:08

Congratulations! What a gorgeous old boy. I hope you all have a very happy life together 🐶

Original poster
BonnesVacances · 15/10/2017 18:51

Thanks all. He's causing us a few problems as he's barking a lot which is probably down to separation anxiety. So we're not getting a lot of sleep. I think his new home has given him a new lease of life and he's far from doddery and sleeping all day. Though not as energetic as a young collie would be thankfully.

Because he doesn't play with a ball or his toys, we're just hiding treats in boxes to keep him amused. He's too clever though and the games only last minutes. This is what it must have been like parenting Einstein as a toddler. Grin

OP posts:
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