Advice for dog share and elderly mum

[Rascallsall]

My 83 year old mum's rescue dog has recently died. She has been a lifelong dog owner and his loss has left a large void in her life. I'm not really keen on her taking on another dog at this stage of her life, although she would opt for an older, rescue dog if she did. Perhaps a dog borrow might be a better idea? We could post on a local Facebook community Facebook group or join Borrow My Doggy. She walks with a stick but has always enjoyed a leisurely stroll with her dog and meeting fellow dog owners. The dog would need to be well behaved on a lead and not need long or energetic walks. Does anyone have any thoughts or advice please?

Might she consider fostering older / palliative dogs? That way they don't have to spend the end of their lives (or the period until they're rehomed) in kennels, but vets costs would be covered by the rescue. I know a lady in her 80s who has done this and currently has a gorgeous and very well behaved elderly staffy (other breeds are available!) It's common for these dogs to need a new home when their owners die.

Otherwise I wonder if she could find someone very local who is looking for doggy day care for a suitable dog? Perhaps someone who could do the walking but their dog needs company during the day. A local dog Facebook group might be the way forward.

Perhaps she could dog walk for the Cinnamon Trust. That charity also offers dogs to permanent foster homes if they have lost their owners.
Don’t know if give a dog a bone charity is active near you. Aims to pair rescue dogs and older owners.

Brilliant advice thank you both. She would absolutely love to be a Foster carer for an older dog. Will have a look at charities trying to re home suitable dogs.

I believe the Cinnamon Trust cover costs too.

There are always elderly dogs in rescues who don't really need walked any distance, just a toilet stop. A potter round the garden would be enough for them. What they need most is company and loving kindness.

I'm not as old as your mother but my dog died very recently and I can understand the loss she feels. Your whole daily routine has gone and life seems empty. It's very important for her wellbeing to have a dog in her life again.

I suppose the main concern is can she get to the vet or be taken when the need arises.

Dogs Trust are looking for volunteer fosterers for their Freedom Project (to help people fleeing DV and who cannot take their pets with them. The fosterer has the dog for up to six months and all costs are covered by the charity.
www.dogstrust.org.uk/help-advice/hope-project-freedom-project/freedom-project

Thank you all so much, will show mum this tomorrow. Eastwestnorth, you sum it up perfectly ❤️

The old gentleman (he is well into his eighties) down the road fosters old dogs, most of them are more doddery than he is by a long way tbh. He gives them a lovely final home usually for a year or two, says his goodbyes and then takes in his next one. He used to always have staffies but the latest one is a Yorkshire terrier (maybe he is feeling frailer I don't know) but they have a happy life with him and he loves the routine and the companionship and the opportunity to get out and chat with other dog walkers I think. He does it for a local rescue so ring around I imagine any rescue would be delighted to have a foster home for old dogs who might never be considered for adoption.

Phoning some centres to offer fostering is a great idea.
I'd also like to suggest a couple of websites.
The Dogs Trust website is good as you can search for small/medium/large and various age groups.
It might be worth looking at the Oldies website too. It's not a specific rescue, but shows dogs from all over the country which are over the age of seven, some a lot over, and you can select different breeds, temperaments and geographical areas.
These are both aimed at rehoming but also fostering.

Good luck and do let us know how you get on!

Sorry, just noticed Dogs Trust has already been mentioned!