Too old for a dog??

[justasking111]

We were due to see a puppy today. We lost our old dog in January. OH said he'd changed his mind because he's now too old for a puppy and dog . He's 71 I'm 66. I'm just so sad to think that's it. We do have an 8 year old dog so aren't dogless so to speak.

Anyone else feel that your present pet will be the last

I'm pretty sure that The Dog's Trust have a scheme where , if you register yourselves and your dog, they will look after your dog when you're no longer able .
I'm not, for one minute , suggesting that you won't be able to look after your pets but it might give you some piece of mind.
We're almost similarly aged and it concerns us with our young dog.

I don't think you are too old but that's your personal decision. I used to rehome for a large UK charity and in doing so came across this charity, the Cinnamon Trust. They support elderly people and their pets if your get sick or need to go to hospital. That's what I'd be considering in your shoes. Good luck.

cinnamon.org.uk/home/

I'd also avoid an ESS-they need way too much exercise. Greyhounds and Lurchers are probably the laziest. Or a Pug?!

We have a Labrador pup -well he's 17 months now - he's lively and can be excitable but he'll happily lie next to my feet every night and snoozes on and off during the day. He gets two good walks and ball chasing during the day. We've signed him up for agility as he's a clever inquisitive boy

What would you like to train the dog to do ? Ours is the best behaved dog we have had ! He didn't need training he needed kindness love and patience all the rest follows

I'm assuming OP might be gun training them. Hence the breed choice and the need to start when they are puppies?

Unless you’ve poor health or family histories, you’ve plenty of time to raise a pup.

Before we got our mini Schnauzer we decided he’d be our last dog.
With his life expectancy he’s going to take me into my early 70s (DH is older) and at that age IMO you potentially want to create as little a burden to others as possible.

Our children are animal lovers so when DDog goes I’ll just volunteer for dog sitting with them!

Definitely not too old but I would avoid a working breed. My DPs grandparents always had working gun dogs and were always fit as fleas and suddenly in the space of about 9 months in their mid 70s both had serious mobility issues. Family can help a bit but not reliably and theyve been spending a fortune on walkers etc since that they can just afford.

I would only do it if you have good support/back up if your health fails.

My mum died in her 70s and left her dog behind. I’d have had him if need be but a neighbour really wanted him and my mum knew this neighbour well and the dog knew the neighbour. Dog is perfectly happy now. I think 66 is too young to be worrying but worst case scenario chances are someone would step up.

I think this is a very individual decision and as you're obviously thoughtful and experienced dog owners I'm sure you'll come to to right decision.

My experience is of in-laws who got a much loved puppy who is now 8 and has probably only had decent walks when my husband has walked him (not many). I think that's cruel no matter how loved he is. Is your husband feeling older than he is letting on to you?

I'm 72 and have an 11 year old lurcher whom we've had for 8 years. What sort of training do you mean? Our dog has been wonderful, good runs then snooze.

I'm fit, but when she goes, I'll have an older dog 7+. You just don't know what's around the corner at our age healthwise and puppies are hard work.

My nan got her last dog at 80 and she's 92 now. She still chooses to live in her own house so the dog is great company for her. Mum and dad are 75 and 70 and are about to get another dog after their last one recently passed away. Why wouldn't you? 71 and 66 isn't that old unless you're both in poor health.

If you're active I think your age is fine. I always make sure my dogs have a home to go to if I die though (I'm 30) just because I wouldn't like to know where they'd end up otherwise.

Dont stop living when you are still alive just in case!

Late 60's is not old at all. If you were 85 maybe worth a thought. That is when I will get the greyhound. lazy, dont have to bend down to it

If you want a dog get a dog and enjoy every moment and let it keep you young and fit.

If you like being organised set up a trust fund for your dog.

I know someone who has just got a new puppy at the age of 94! She is fit and active and also has daily dog walkers. She’s had dogs all her life, is a widow and lives alone and was bereft when her last dog died.

You see I know a lot of people would say good on them.

But for me personally knowing that the chances are very high that I wouldn't outlive my dog knowing that it would have to be rehomed or worse sat in a kennel makes me so sad that I just wouldn't do it. Totally understand if family say they would step in and keep the dog but even then I have seen relatives dogs with behavioural issues that we simply couldn't accommodate.

And what happens when the puppy inevitably trips her up, or she can no longer bend down to feed it?

My dad is 71, my step-mum a year older, they got a puppy last year. My dad's very first puppy! My step-mum has had dogs before and had a very old dog when they met. They are both very active, my dad hasn't even really retired and is still working (got to pay for the puppy and the holidays somehow!).

I don't think there ever really is a "too old" but it's all down to the individual, especially in terms of health and plans.

I don't think it's age per se that is the barrier here. Does your OH have other concerns, for example he dreads the thought of being left with a young, active dog if something were to happen to you, or doesn't want to be involved with puppy-rearing now?

If you broaden your outlook on the type of dog you might be willing to get, and make solid plans for what will happen if something happens to one or the other of you, you might find a situation that is a good fit for all of you.

Oldies Club have beautiful dogs for adoption, and because they are older the characters are a bit better established and you would know more about them. Worth a browse.

My FIL got a puppy at the age of 80! I'm not sure it was a sensible idea at that age but the dog has brought so many benefits to his quality of life - to his physical fitness from daily walks but also helping him with loneliness- he is always meeting new people and their pups. The dog is 4 now and he has no regrets.
He seems to think he will live forever so as far as I know hasn't really considered what will happen to the dog if he can't look after her - I expect a family member will take her though, my SIL most likely but we would take her if needed.

I think you are making the right choice in not getting a puppy. They can be exhausting and all family members need to be in support of a decision to have a puppy .

I think you could sit and have a chat with your DH about having another older dog though - maybe reconsider the breed - possibly one who needs less exercise ?

It is difficult I can see, knowing your family wouldn't be able to step in. I think mid 60s is an ideal time to have a dog - you are able to spend more time with them and knowing you have a dog to walk encourages you to get out there and exercise . But equally I think that your 70s can be an age where health declines .... and you already have one dog. Might be worth another chat with your DH though .

I don’t think your too old but I would put in proper provision in your will should the worst happen. So specify family member or individual who takes the dog or it going back to the breeder or a particular rescue. I’d do this along side setting up a small trust to pay for their care. I’d specify what this money is to be used for and how and when it is to be released

Lurchers aren't a suitable breed for training. It's something that you start with puppies
so should all Lurchers in rescue not get a second chance?
What an odd thing to say.