Older doggy for my parents

Molly41

Hi x
Wondered if anybody could give me some advice. My parents (early 80's) have lost both their beloved dogs this year and are devastated now. They had thought that was it but are now thinking they might like an older dog to love and cherish.

They are both relatively housebound although active at home and have a huge garden that they still tend. My Dad can walk short distances. They are well supported by us and we could help with vets visits etc.

I have seen how they have both reacted to not having a doggy friend and it makes me very sad - they could give a older dog a wonderful home and the love the dog deserves. I just dont know how to go abut organising this for them? Any ideas or comments would be much appreciated.

Better_Days

Could your parents afford to pay someone to walk the dog for them every day?

In the past we have rehomed elderly Labs. They were great, bomb proof, seen it all and affectionate. The down side is that an older dog will be nearer to the end of its days too. It is dreadfully upsetting.:( How would your parents cope with losing another much loved pet in a year or two?

I would also be very careful that your parents do not take on an unsuitable dog under pressure from the rescue centre or breed rescue. Handing back a rehome that doesn't work out would be even worse. You do have to harden your heart and be realistic about what you can cope with when seeking to rehome a pet. Do your parents want another dog for its own sake, or because they want to replace the one that they have lost?

Have your parents considered rehoming an elderly friendly cat? Cats can be excellent company too and wouldn't need a daily walk.

lavalamp

What a lovely thing both for your parents and a dog without a home! We took on an older dog (because I hate the thought of an old dog living out their life in a kennel) and she has been fantastic. I know I potentially don't have long with her, but she has given me so much love! She's a fairly energetic staffie, so probably not suitable for an older couple who can't walk far, but I know there are dogs on the Bath Cats & Dogs home who are specifically listed as companion dogs who don't need to go out much - check them out here: http://www.bathcatsanddogshome.org.uk/rehoming/dogs/companion_dogs

Bath might not be your area, but other homes must offer similar. Good luck!

Kinski

Have a look at the Oldies Club http://www.oldies.org.uk/, they sometimes have elderly dogs that just want to have a sedate stroll.

MrsAtobe

Kinski wrote: »

Have a look at the Oldies Club http://www.oldies.org.uk/, they sometimes have elderly dogs that just want to have a sedate stroll.

Another vote for the Oldies Club.

krlyr

Another option, especially if finances could be an issue (downside of going for an older, less active dog means they're at an age where vet bills and ongoing conditions could be an issue - plus insurance will be more expensive) is to foster dogs for rescue or to volunteer to foster for something like the Cinnamon Trust (so take in someone else's dog when they're in hospital, for example)

Molly41

Some lovely ideas - thanks. I will look up The Oldies x

[Deleted User]

Have a look at the retired Greyhound trust website. These make ideal pets for older people (for anybody really) as they are so lazy and relaxed and require very little exercise. http://www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk

sharloid

I'm sure they'd be able to find a suitable dog through a rescue.

What would happen if the dog out lived your parents? Would someone in the family be willing to take it on?

catkins

I think it would be a lovely idea for your parents to take on an older dog. I know that when my dogs have died I have always missed having a dog so much. I do have cats but, to me, they are just not the same as much as I love them.

I second the idea of a greyhound. Even when fairly young greyhounds need very little exercise and just love to laze around all day. There are so many looking for homes. I know quite a lot of people who have rehomed greyhounds and they have all been a success and dogs that have never known a warm home, love and affection, good food (not slop) come out of their shells and become loving wonderful dogs. To see a grown dog that has never known a toy learn how to play is so lovely.

I think if the dog can run in the garden and your dad can manage some sort of walk, even if only once a day that should be sufficient for an elderly or "lazy" dog. Also, as someone has suggested, if funds permit, a dog walker could be used maybe once a week or so or a friend, relative or neighbour might like to help out. If I had an elderly neighbour with a dog I would offer to walk it

Molly41

sharloid wrote: »

I'm sure they'd be able to find a suitable dog through a rescue.

What would happen if the dog out lived your parents? Would someone in the family be willing to take it on?

Yes the dog would come to us to live.
I have found a rescue local to me and will start the process x