new pet or not

OAP1945

UPDATE at the end
We lost our much loved Monty (Jack russel x staffie) in August we had him from a rescue centre aged 2 ish and loved him for 12 years. We gave away all our dog equipment Dog guard and ramp for the car and all the usual bits. vowing never again !!!


Now we are wondering if we were too hasty, the house is empty no waggy tail welcome etc.

Problem is we are mid 70s although fit'ish and have time and energy to spare.
any advice, would not be a pup and would be rescue. but at our age ???
Anyone been in the same situation?

Silvertabby

How about an older, rescue, house cat?

No walkies in the rain or bagging the poop - just a litter tray and lots of cuddles.

McKneff

What about foster caring for say animals whose owners are icapacitared temporarily.

Mojisola

How about being a foster carer - not all dogs settle in a rehoming centre and need special attention before they are ready for rehoming.

The Cinnamon Trust also need foster carers who will look after someone's pet while they are too ill to care or in hospital or sign up to walk an elderly person's dog.

There's also the option of Borrow My Doggy.

OAP1945

no cats hubby is allergic.
not thought about fostering thanks will see if there is a need locally

krlyr

Was going to suggest fostering. You might also like the check out the Oldies Club, they specifically rehome older dogs - so these may suit your lifestyle/activity levels a bit better than a pup or younger dog.
http://www.oldies.org.uk/

Kim_13

You might also consider an older and/or smaller rescue dog that is likely to need less exercise.

Would you be happy and able to employ a dog walker to walk the dog for you if you were no longer able?

Fireflyaway

Not every cat wants cuddles and who wants a stinky tray of poo in the house?!
An older dog could be a great companion and keep you active, giving you a reason to get out.

boingsaidzebedee

I'm about 70.
Have a 5 year old very active dog and love to walk her.
This year took on a 12 year plus rescue with severe trauma issues.To be honest I did not want him but the boy really did not have a future.Now he has decided that me and my girl are his family.
You would not have posted unless you already have it in your mind and just need a little push.
Can you volunteer at a local rescue as dog walkers?
There are so many older dogs that are unwanted.There can be health issues but as you know older does'nt mean decrepit.Don't say mid 70's is a problem,a problem is a mid 30's lard ar*e playing computer games and living in his mum's spare bedroom or mid 20's with a grandad beard,top knot,a tattoo in Chinese which they think says "have a nice day" but actually reads "foreign monkey" and a nose ring.
So to sum up just do what feels right and enrich your life and the life of a new friend.Follow your heart and good luck.

catkins

As others have said, fostering may be an option. They certainly seem to be in short supply.

I would also second the suggestion of "borrowmydoggy". I know a few people who use this and find it works.

I don't think you are too old to have a dog although a puppy would probably be too hard work! I know people in their 70's and 80's who have dogs.

If you are pretty fit and can manage the walking why not? Maybe a breed that doesn't need too much walking such as a greyhound. The walking will keep you fit too. If it become too much you can use "borrowmydoggy" to find a dog walker.

A neighbour is 82 and recently lost his dog. He is now looking for a new one (an older rescue)

OAP1945

Thank you for all the suggestions, we have discussed it and intend to start looking at our local rescue centres once they reopen after the holidays. All our local ones seem to be closed now, I suppose to stop the " dogs for Christmas " My hubby is not too keen on fostering but we have not ruled it out. I am sure there is an older dog just looking for us and we can all spend our energy together