Do you have a dog?

lilac_lady

Have you got a dog since you retired? If so, what type and are you glad that you did or do you find that it's a bind?

Errata

Yes; small; sometimes; sometimes.

Be_Happy

We got a retired guide dog (golden lab) from the Guide Dog centre in Forfar 5 years ago.. Have always had dogs, but this one is unique - perfect family pet. She's nearly 14 now and very slow, but this is ideal for OH who is slow on his feet now too. She still 'works' part time as a visiting Pets as Therapy dog at our local hospital and is a great success there.

Having said this though, dogs are a bind unless you have a good neighbour or nearby friend who can walk them if you want to go away for the day. You can't take them out in the car in hot weather if you have to leave them while you shop, etc. Holidays are OK if you have a good boarding kennel nearby (cost at £9 a day is fairly high). Although we are going away for a few days tomorrow to a wooden lodge near Oban where we can take the dog too, so this is no problem.

Bear in mind too the cost of feeding and vets bills. These don't come cheap.

The big advantage of having a dog, apart from the company, is the healthy exercise you get from walking and the number of friendships you set up with other dog walkers you meet while out. You talk to everyone in the neighbourhood.

renegade

Lilac-Lady.

I have always had dog(s). I got a Bichon Frise, small friendly companion dogs, the only thing I overlooked was the grooming costs- 4 times per year and the costs are increasing every year.
He has been a good friend to me and that outweighs what he costs me, he has not been a 'bind' for me as he travelled well in the car and since giving up my car I don't venture very far, I can go off for a maximum of 4 hours knowing he will be guarding the home between sleeping.
I have now got a cross yorkie/ papillon, who has turned out to be a good companion for my BF, and they are the best of friends, he has also put a spring in the step of my aging BF, we are one happy family.

retiredlady

I got a do when I retired and can honestly say it is one of the best things I could have done for myself. Because I was so involved in my job and worked long hours I didn't really have a social life outside work. I basically didn't have any friends:o:(

I got Charlie 2 years ago and since then my life has changed for the better! I take him to the park every day and through there I have made a wide circle of friends and now go on outings and lunches and get all sorts of invites! We have a circle that babysits each others dogs when we are on holiday or have hospital appts etc.

Charlie is also a bichon but I find he needs professional grooming about every 6 weeks so he goes to the Bichon beauty parlour:D which costs me about £20 a visit. Well worth it though as they do a much better job at it than I could!

Oh yes - one more thing - dogs bring so much love into your life. Full stop!

gratefulforhelp_2

Not retired, but yes dogs are a bind, and if you're prepared for the effort and expense, it will be the best thing you ever do.

If you can, borrow one for a week and try it out!

hethmar

I have sometimes heard of dogs being dumped at middle age because their owners have retired and the dogs dont fit in with their retirement plans. Do think about that - are you likely to want to cruise the world every year or move to Australia.

Yes they are a bind, you cant just walk out the door when you want - you have to get back to feed and walk them, you have to worry about them and take them to vets and groom them BUT they give you affection, friendship, a reason to take healthy walks and meet people and they are always there for you whatever

foreign_correspondent

my mum got her dog aged 66.. went to the rescue centre looking for something small and steady, and ended up with the most beautiful, mad as a box of frogs, lurcher... I was a bit concerned she was making a terrible mistake, I have to admit, but I think it was love at first sight (from both parties!) they suit each other so well... they are both a little eccentric, and free spirits, and luckily my mum has always been a keen walker so likes going to the sort of places where the dog can have a good off lead run - she wouldnt be the right dog for a retired preson who just wanted a dog to stroll round the block with though!

It is a bind, but so much depends on other factors... can you afford kennels if you want to travel, or do you have relatives who would have the dog? I only live a couple of miles away from my mum, so if she is out all day, or is unexpectedly delayed I can generally pop round and see to the dog... it may be more problematic if you dont have relatives that can help - or that don't like dogs...

Depending on your health and fitness, it may well be wiser to look into a mature dog, rather than a mad pup that will chew and widdle everywhere, will be a lot of work, and may well be a responsibility for the next 15-20 years...

ETA - my mum also feels a lot safer having a dog in the house - her doggo has very alert, german shepherd looking ears - and although she is very gentle, she is very athletic looking, medium-large, and not the sort of dog that many burglars would fancy tackling - when I took her to the park she was sprinting after her ball, and some lads were watching and saying things like 'can you imagine having a dog like that chasing you...? bl00dy hell!!' - I hadn't thought of her as looking fierce, but on the other hand I can see why she would put a criminal off!

Bruja_2

I got a dog six months ago, my first in 20 years. I wanted a labrador as that's what i've had in the past, but as I now live in an apartment I knew it wouldn't be suitable. I agreed to foster a small dog,( I think she's a cross between a westie and Bichon) and I ended up adopting her. It was a bit restricting at first but now I'd hate to be without her.
I'm now glad I have a small dog as I can pick her up easily when needs be, also, I can't run as fast as I used to but this one is easy to catch up with.

chris_n_tj

I wouldnt be without TJ, yes sometimes its a bit much to be sat in the car on a cold wet day at the coast trying to drink a coffee from a plastic cup lol.
Would I change it NO of course not.
I dont use kennels, my Daughter and I share the sitting duties for holidays and such like. (she also has a Bichon Frise like myself) I would as far as to say he is the best thing since sliced bread lol. He has had his problems, in fact he still does but thats like most of us isnt it. We never know whats round the corner, but I do know my corner has been 1000% better with my big lad by my side.

The big lad is TJ and the little un is Dexter

catlou

Oh So Cute :T - loving their little "afros"!!