Are we too old to rescue an 8-year-old lurcher?

[Freysimo]

DH and I are in mid 70s, fortunately fit and active with no major health issues, but obviously realise this could quickly change due to our ages. Our beloved rescue lurcher girl was PTS six months ago, having suffered with dementia. I'm now thinking of a rescue, 7-8 plus, but DH thinks we're too old.

I really miss walking our dog, it was a big part of my social life, but feel it wouldn't be fair if DH isn't fully on board. I do think he could be persuaded though!

We're not interested in holidaying abroad any longer and would be home most of the time.

There's a lovely lurcher lad turned up on our local rescue website, aged 8 and I'm sorely tempted.

Please give me your pros and cons!

In case it's a useful reference point my parents adopted their greyhound from The Dogs Trust when they were aged 70 and 73. I don't believe they have an upper age limit on adoptions and focus more on pairing the right dog to the right owners.

I'm genuinely really surprised by this. I've seen cocker spaniels drag over full grown men. By their logic, no one should have any dog bigger than a Yorkie 🙄

No, you shouldn't be coming up against this. Try a different charity (breed specific).

One of our neighbours is 81 and adopted a fabulous Lhasa/Shi/whatever cross just a few weeks ago, from an established dog rescue in our nearest city (not Dogs trust). He's 6.

I don't even think of mid 70s as 'old' these days. If you are fit, healthy and active then why not. There's two of you so you have support already. I'm sure you already know lots of dog people who might help if you ever needed a hospital trip/operation etc.

Yes something could happen but that's the same for anyone. You've volunteered for the cinnamon trust so you know they will be there if you need them 🤍

Maximum you are looking at 7 years more life span of the dog. Assuming you are ok that you might not have lots of years with them I think you would be perfect. It's not easy to rehome older dogs.

It’s ridiculous ageism . Try EGLR and see whether they would consider you .

Don't give up, OP! Sounds like a short-sighted rescue problem rather than a you problem.
As you're in west Wales and I'm bored, I did some Googling.
There's Timmy at Greenacres, although he might be who you applied for?
Greyhound Rescue Wales has one lurcher and a grey and a couple of whippet crosses that might be suitable.
Or if it's not too far, Hope has a lurcher, Noel, who might appeal.

Having said that, given your understandable concerns about being rejected by rescues, I wonder if you might have more success if your applied for a smaller, older dog?

Another idea, don't know where you are in relation to them, but West Wales Poundies are run mostly be volunteers. Might be walking opportunities with them?

Good luck anyway and don't give up 😀

Yes, Timmy was the one I enquired about! I definitely won't give up. I really can't bear to think of the rest of my life being dog less. GRW and WWP both on my radar. Thanks everyone for the encouragement.

I was going to mention that the Cinnamon Trust could be your “in the event we need them” network but you already know about them as a volunteer! Our gorgeous bear of a black GSD came to us via them. Go for it!

Go for it, keeps you young! I have a friend who didn't get one at 70 because he felt he was too old. He's now 81 and still going strong, should have done it!
I think any owner should have a convo with loved ones about who could look after their pets if anything happened, even just temp til a permanent owner is found. If someone you know isn't able to help I'm pretty sure the dogs trust and/or other shelters have schemes to help re-home your pet if anything happens for peace of mind.

If it helps with persuading your husband you could find out from the rescue how long the dogs have been waiting. Let us know if you end up adopting 🐾

I've just seen the update and wanted to put my 2 cents in!!

I was told by a guy when I got my rescue got that he's worried my dog would be too strong for me. We did a walk around together, it was muddy, raining, slippery and I didn't know it would be on grass - it was a horrendous walk. She almost had me over a few times on the slippery mucky mud sink holes.

He repeatedly stated my dog would be too strong for me. I insisted. I was so drawn to this dog and I fell in love so quickly.

Anyway, turns out he was right. I got the dog, but she is insanely strong! Regardless of no mud.

It's cost loads in trainers, trying different leads, harness, collars and such (she is so worth it, and I don't regret a thing) but it is true that sometimes they just know best! I don't think it's an age thing, I'm 34, I think it's just a general concern that probably comes from years of having dogs adopted and returned.

Don't let it put you off, or you can still insist (like I did!) I regret nothing, but I do know he was right when at the time I thought he just didn't like me.

In fairness, the rescue hadn't even met me. I would have happily gone on a trial walk. They thought that although he was a gentle lurcher, he might bolt at a cat, but any dog could do that! Although I'm 75, I'm actually fitter and stronger than many younger folk I see with dogs, so I assume it's my age.

My dad had just adopted an older dog at 82 and it’s the best thing for both of them. There is a website called oldies.

I suggest it is the cat and not your age with that lurcher / rescue.
You could get back to them and ask if they think they have any dogs that would be cat friendly ?

Can you not ask?

*about walking him, that is

I'm away next week, back week after. I'm then going to do what rescue says is "a generic referral" where applicants give details of themselves and then hopefully you are invited to meet dogs who may suit. It is my local rescue, within 30 minutes drive, and I've been a supporter for years. For the first time in many years we don't have a cat to consider, have secure garden, home most of time, comfortable enough to pay vet bills etc, so really the only negative (for them) is our ages. Be interesting to see if I get a response, but if not then will try other rescues.

Remember Cinnamon Trust look for adoptees too.

Yes, they're on my contact list. I was actually a volunteer for them but had to put it on hold last year when beloved lurcher developed dementia.

OP I’m glad pure not giving up. You sound as though you can provide an amazing home. I hope the right dog finds their way to you. He or she would be very lucky.
The rescue homes are full of dogs whose owners have had to give them up for a myriad of reasons. In many ways older people are often better placed as many are more settled, have more time and the benefit of experience.
The rescue home where my latest dog came from will always have them back if necessary. This is helpful for people of any age as none of us know how our lives might change.
Good luck and please keep us updated. I’m now off to walk my motley crew before work (neither of which would have been a great idea on paper but are both fabulous, happy and well loved).

OP I am so sorry to hear about your son 🥰

Sounds absolutely perfect👍