82 yr old mum - too old for dog

[dogdayz]

My lovely mum lost her JRT 6 months ago. Since then we have been looking for an older dog to adopt. My mum has arthritis and can't walk very well, but she has loads of time and love to devote to a dog. She has a lovely house and secure garden. I live nearby and am happy to take care of walks. She would like an older dog because she is realistic and doesn't want a dog that will outlive her. I have been in touch with local rescues, but we haven't been successful. Do you think this is because of her age? Is there anything anyone can suggest to help? She misses her lovely JRT so much and my Dad is in poor health so she really needs a dog to make her smile. Thanks

I feel for your mum. I too have been turned down by rescues as 'not suitable' which I know referred to my age as in all other respects - garden, home nearly all the time, experienced dog owner I was suitable.
I am 74 but very active - my current rehomed dog gets 2 half hour walks a day and a garden to run in which is ample for her as she is 5.
I know posters on here throw up their hands in horror but it is worth putting a dog wanted on one of the internet dogs for sale/wanted sites (avoid gumtree) specifying small older dog wanted etc.
I have been successful in this eventually- having weeded out many unsuitable dogs from the replies.
Good luck to your mum - she and any older dog would get on well together

Whilst you have taken a responsible approach to it, I've not been super impressed by a couple of older people near me. One has a boisterous & energetic rescue dog. He drives to the Common (a large green open space on the edge of the village), parks up and lets her out for a run. Oh her own (whilst he waits in the car park - he can't walk far). This dog is able to run up to reactive dogs unchecked, and has been spotted running alongside a major A road.

Another elderly lady who walks with difficulty on two sticks let's both her young black labs run free on the Common and is unable to keep up with them. Again they can approach other dogs at will

I guess the Rescues have come across analogous situations.

@bunnybuggs

I feel for your mum. I too have been turned down by rescues as 'not suitable' which I know referred to my age as in all other respects - garden, home nearly all the time, experienced dog owner I was suitable. I am 74 but very active - my current rehomed dog gets 2 half hour walks a day and a garden to run in which is ample for her as she is 5. I know posters on here throw up their hands in horror but it is worth putting a dog wanted on one of the internet dogs for sale/wanted sites (avoid gumtree) specifying small older dog wanted etc. I have been successful in this eventually- having weeded out many unsuitable dogs from the replies. Good luck to your mum - she and any older dog would get on well together

Thank you that's really kind. I'm really glad you found a lovely dog.

@madisonbridges

Presumably you're going to take on the dog if anything happens to her? So why don't you get the dog and give it to her to look after for as long as she can?

Yes I would definitely take dog on if need be. We would like a dog ourselves but elderly cat is not keen! He would have to put up with it though if the worst happened.

I’d apply as a foster carer, I’ve had some lovely dogs and cats that way. Last dog was a little end of lifer who just needed loads of cuddles and company

I did a home check on a lady who was 90 for the Cinnamon Trust and she passed!

You could try specific breed rescues or dog breed clubs. They may know of a breeder that's rehoming a suitable older dog.

Try a website called borrow my doggy

My neighbours were in a similar position, but looking for a cat. They are in their 80's, but play golf twice a week, mow their lawns and more active than me! The local RSPCA refused them.

The cinnamon trust not only do fostering, but re-homing also. They got an older cat, which was delivered to them in an air conditioned van. The 1st vet visit was free- including all vaccines, neutering etc. Certainly worth looking into for your mum.

Have you contacted local vets or local groomers. Sometimes when people are going into care or moving into "pet free" housing they will ask the people who know their dog and also know good dog owners to help find their companions a new home.
My aunt got a 6 -year-old Shih Tzu in her 70's. The owner was entering hospice with breast cancer and the family was boarding the dog with the vet.

Thank you all. So kind of you to try and help. All great advice. I am seeing my mum later this week and I will put your suggestions to her

It really is possible.
I was going to suggest the Cinnamon Trust too or the smaller rescue places. My DD adopted a lovely little dog when he was 84, after my mum died & he was lonely, he’d had a dog most of his life. He got it from Freshfields, the Dog Trust even passed him but they only had big dogs at the time. I never needed to take over as dad lived to be 96, pretty active & very independent till the last few weeks.
Age should never be a deterrent. I’ve shown all my life & there are loads of elderly exhibitors been doing it forever. One lady well known in my breed was still showing, energetic rare terrier breed, in her late nineties & put us all to shame with her enthusiasm & elegance....made everyone feel like scruffs next to her!
Going from what I see they keep you young!

Another suggestion, someone else mentioned, if there’s a breed she fancies is to contact the breed clubs. Some have their own rescues & also may know of breeders who may be willing to let one of their elderlies go to a good home