Considering adopting a 9 year old rescue dog, any advice?

[mikado1]

Just that really. Looking at a 9yo dog in the local animal welfare. We both had dogs growing up but I didn't have mine to old age.

Any advice or tips? What do we need to consider? As it stands he is in good health and looks like a collie mix.

So you have never owned a dog? Only had them as a child?

in that case, no.

Well no, haven't owned as an adult. We have looked after other dogs for a number of weeks around at a time while friends ok holidays.
Is there a different profile of dog you would recommend or maybe explain why an older dog would be unsuitable?

older rescue dog - I would be disturbed if given to a first time dog owner.

What is his history? Temperament? I do not agree with PP that it should be an immediate “no”. I’ve adopted a fair few “oldies” of all different breeds and they’ve been a breeze. Calm, laid back and just happy to have a couch for snoozes, some fuss and some nice walks. No problem. It depends very much on the dog. What do you know about him?

I adopted my greyhound last May as a 9yo, he’s just turned 10. He’s the absolute light of my life (along with DD of course) and I don’t regret a thing. He’s easy going, happy, loving and has only given me a few concerns that needed advice - such as an upset stomach for a week which resulted in a change of diet and then a swollen face but this was a result of banging it against furniture in excitement. Otherwise he’s a happy, healthy boy.

The seniors are overlooked but honestly shouldn’t be. I was specifically looking for a senior as I wanted to give an older dog a nice end of life period and I’m hoping I’m doing just that.

Of course find out any medical history you can, research the breed where possible to ensure you can meet their needs and then meet the dog with no expectations to begin with, but for us it’s been perfect.

Pic below for the pet tax!

It depends on the dog surely! You can’t assume that all dogs in need of a home need experienced owners.

To pp, I'm not sure why you'd be disturbed, there will be many checks for suitability before that point. I've spoke to a few dog owners today and none have reacted like that. Maybe explain rather than be so black and white.
Love the greyhound!
This dog's owner has gone into nursing care. A very friendly and good natured dog, is the description. Just wants short walks, to potter in the garden and a cosy spot in the house plus lots of love.
Any particular considerations would be great.

Do you know why he's at the rescue?

Adopt old dogs! We adopted our boy age 9 as first time dog owners and he has been an absolute joy. He’s 15 this year and very doddery so no idea how long we have left with him but we’re grateful for all the time we’ve had. He’s calm, easy, came housetrained, sleeps a lot, bulletproof re people, kids, dogs, cars, noises. He has a few quirks which we have entirely failed at training out of him (old dog new tricks and all that) but I wouldn’t change him for the world

and the rescue centre had confirmed fine for first time dog owners?

Our previous neighbours also adopted an older greyhound - she’d been a racer and was a lovely girl, just wanted to snooze on the sofa or by the fire. She had massively high prey drive but was otherwise really chill. My colleague recently adopted an eight year old dog (a real “Heinz 57” terrier type) whose owner - who was a distant relative - passed away. He’s an absolute joy. It’s heart breaking to think he could have been sat in a pen because people just want little puppies, and he has slotted in to my colleagues and his family’s life beautifully.

Good for you, OP. Oldies can be overlooked so glad to hear you are considering one.
Some advice:
He may not have been walked much lately (given the fact the owner is going into care) so start off with slow, short walks. As he's 9 and a collie type he may need more for a couple of years if you get him fit.
Look for lifetime insurance that covers older dogs. I'm with Waggel and there's not co-insuring and no upper age limit.
Take a look at CAM (cannine arthritis management) - his joints may need a bit of help.
Orthopaedic bed for him. Dog beds come up small ime so L or XL

Don't know if that helps at all. Have you got any specific concerns?

That's lovely that you've had him for so long. Yes the rescue said the pups are snapped up but a puppy wouldn't be for us at all.

It is sad and it would be lovely to give him some lovely final years. Thanks for your post.

Those are great practical tips, thank you. They said he likes short walks so will get more detail.

Our garden has hedges. Obviously all dogs will be different and we will ask his current carers, but I'm wondering how likely a 9yo woukd be to run off. We will have to secure the garden somehow as there are some holes in the hedges.

Seniors make great dogs. It's hard to have them for a shorter time, but they just want somewhere warm and loving to see out their years.

Definitely secure the garden! My mum’s cocker used to make himself the size of a mouse and squeeze through a tiny gap in a fence which took weeks of hunting to find - no-one could believe the space he was getting through, because he was a solid lad. He was forever being brought home by her neighbours who he’d charmed into giving him snacks first. (Fortunately a very quiet area - he used to make a beeline for particular people down the street’s house and wander in their open back door to eat their dog’s food rather than go far!)

Glad you are considering this. My rescue passed a few years ago, she was one of the best things that ever happened to me. Quirky, characterful fuzzball got me through a bad spell of mental health, got me out walking in the woods which I wouldn't have done otherwise, she was a fantastic companion and rescued me really. I am forever grateful. Highly recommend rescues 💕

I know someone who adopted an 8 yr old JRT, via a rescue, whose previous owner had had to go into a care home. The dog is a very confident, well socialised pet. My friend had a JRT previously but it wouldn't really have mattered if she hadn't been an experienced owner.
If the rescue thinks you are a good match, trust them.

Oh look at that exceptionally long face 😍😍😍

Senior dogs make great first dogs - should be done with all that merry making and jus in search of a comfy sofa

check about separation anxiety and how long they can be left at home - and any medical issues

Sounds perfect. I think an older family dog is far easier for first time owners than a puppy.
Just ensure you can either get veteran insurance or have enough to cover vet bills which could be expensive the older the dog gets. Hopefully they won't be.

My mother adopted a 14 year old cat last year - she's 92. It's really difficult for rescues to place older animals so good on you.

Ignore pp - you’ll be fine - they are just being negative and precious

Just to add, I'm sure you won't, but don't expect too much from him to begin with. He'll have been through a lot (possibly been with his first owner his whole life) and will take time to adjust and settle but i'm sure he'll work out great given a little time😃