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!

Is that Timmy from Greenacres? He looks happy.
Were you going to leave the bedroom door open so he can come in if he wants? That might work.
Sure he will settle in soon and you'll all have any happy lurchery days to come 😀

I think that’s a great idea totally do it xx

Grandmother in law took on her last rescue when she was mid eighties. He was about 6 and she had him for a decade, she lived another year after him. I think mid seventies is fine for an older dog. Good luck.

Lovely update 🥰 I do love a lurcher, I’ve had a few, brilliant dogs. To keep him off the bed, invest in the comfiest dog bed you can find. My lot currently really like the donut beds, but depending on how big he is, they might be too small? Our last lurcher was absolutely massive, must have been some Great Dane in there somewhere, but his bed ended up being 2 folded up king size duvets, because no dog bed was big enough for his super gangly legs. He loved it though and once he realised it was “his” he never even tried to get on our bed.

Congratulations and what a lovely boy , good luck keeping him off the bed 🤣

Oh he’s a handsome boy!
congratulations!

He didn't like my idea of bed outside bedroom so had it on floor next to my bed and he slept all night. I didn't though! I left door open so he could get to his bed on settee in living room but he didn't.

What thing that does worry me is SA. He's usually happy not to leave his bed if one of us goes to another room or pop to the garage, toilet etc but I have seen little signs now that he's been with us for over a week. Fortunately we don't both need to be out at the same time for the next few months and I'm letting him follow me round as he wants. Lots of new thinking on SA which I've been reading with interest.

Yes, that's him ☺️. Do you live in Pembrokeshire?

OMG your dog looks exactly like my old dog!

So glad the rescue saw sense in the end. I am sure he is going to have a great life with you 😀I love Pembrokeshire but I don't live there, too much rain for me!

@Soontobe60 He really does!

You don’t need a support network if you can pay for that service and you could live well into your 90s. If another dog suits your lifestyle and you are financially comfortable, that is your backup. Check out walking services in your area and if you like what they have to offer, I say go for it.

@Freysimo So glad you got him. He looks very settled already. ❤️

I wouldn't worry too much about SA just yet, as it's very early days. It took about 3 months for me to be able to leave my foster dog home alone.

He does! Do you know your old dog's history? I think ours is whippet/greyhound.

Congratulations @Freysimo he looks lovely.😁

YAY!

What a fantastic update.

What is 'SA' and why does it worry you?

Hope he's settling in now, and hope your sleeping better. Made my day reading this before bed, thank you.

Separation anxiety, it hit me the moment I posted that.

He will learn that you always come back. I've had my rescue for 7 months now and can finally leave a room without her thinking there is big dog business to do that the human absolutely might need help with.

They learn routines in time, honestly he has a forever home with you now and it'll take a little time but you will all get there. So glad you found each other.

It's very early days - we had a wonderful Greenacres dog who had SA but given time it eased. He was always needy (loving!) but we could leave him at home with no issues - he loved his crate which helped and we learnt he was better left in his crate than free.

He died a couple of years ago and I still miss him every day

in rescue they say
3 Days: Allow your rescue dog to acclimate at their own pace. Create a quiet, safe space where they can relax and feel secure. Keep interactions calm and minimal to help them feel comfortable and safe during this initial adjustment period.
3 Weeks: Building a routine is key to your rescue dog's happiness and well-being. Establish consistent feeding schedules, exercise routines, and training sessions. Use this time to bond with your dog and build trust through positive interactions and affection.
3 Months: By the end of three months, your rescue dog should be settling in more comfortably. Continue to provide structure, training, and love to help them feel secure and integrated into your family. Address any behavioral issues with patience and understanding, seeking professional guidance if neede

Ahhh brilliant update!
Ref the SA, it’s very very early days still, give him time
but ohh so happy for you 😁