Chapter 3, Dogless

[Cat_Tap]

Some of you may be familiar with Chapter 1, Too old to get a puppy? Chapter 2, Would you consider euthanasia?

Currently I am at a loss, just sleep walking through the days. It has been over a month but still can’t keep it together.

The house is too quiet, no point in going for a walk or road trips. Mind you the house is staying a lot cleaner. I don’t have to worry about where my glasses, watch and meds are.

Do I try to get another dog or for the first time in my life remain without a dog?

This time I feel I am too old to get a puppy. Do I look for a smaller dog that can’t physically overwhelm me? I would be afraid to take a little dog on my hikes through the back forty because of the coyotes.

Did put my name in with the Bouvier Resue group should an older dog need rehoming.

Found replying to other rescue groups was a daunting experience. If you see a post with a dog you consider for possible adoption you have to jump through all kind of hoops, fill out lengthy questionnaire after which the dog is already adopted.

I would like to meet a dog first before making the commitment but don’t want to drive hundreds of miles to do so. I cannot go to a local shelter to look at dogs because it would break my heart to see these poor animals looking for a home.

I now also question my ability to properly judge an animal and provide a good life for them.

Never had these doubts before.

Thank you for letting me unload.

[JB]

it’s a tough spot for sure. Are you in any local FB groups, or Next Door? You might join and usually there are posts here and there of someone needing to re-home a perfectly nice dog for valid reasons - owner went into nursing home (or died), moving to apartment that won’t allow dogs (that big), etc. Then they’re local, and you could try to arrange a visit first.

[Cat_Tap]

JB I have been doing all that but it seems I am too slow in responding. Have seen a couple of postings of dogs that I am interested in but am always too late. You also get all kinds of advice about breeds to stay away from.

Friends also advise me to stay away from larger breeds because of my age and size. Another problem is that I have become a total recluse questioning my competence.

Think I am just having a pity party.

Sorry.

[Maythehorsebewithme]

After all you have gone through, you are entitled for a pity party. But I hope that if you keep persevering, a dog will come into your life. A dog that needs you as much as you do him or her.

[mommy_peanut]

If you keep looking, especially with an open mind to breed/type, I’m sure you’ll happen across the right dog.
If a smaller dog suits your current situation better, they make some really good deterrents for smaller dogs now.
Collars, vests, etc. that make it safe to walk them in the great outdoors.
Keeping them on a long line until they have a reliable recall and/or utilizing a training collar can also help keep them close, making it easier to watch out for possible hazards/critters.

Here is just a quick link to all sorts of coyote vests on Amazon. There are dozens of others as well.
https://www.amazon.com/coyote-vest-dogs/s?k=coyote+vest+for+dogs

[JB]

Keep your options open Just because it’s “not right now” doesn’t mean there won’t be that dog who needs you just as much as you need him

[Red_Dust]

there is always Craigslist.
I sometimes browse to daydream a little. Recently they had a pair of dogs to give away (practically)
One was an English Setter. I was (and am) tempted, but unlike fabrics for doll projects (AKA fabric hoarding) I am sticking with my ‘no new animals’ rule for now.
After having to put my old kitty down due to cancer I am still sticking to it.

[Bluey]

… and, also, like I decided, there is a time to hold’em, a time to fold’em?

Not having a secure group of others that can take my dog at a moment, not being able to drive because of my poor sight, so have to call others to drive any time my dog needs something, in an emergency they need to drop everything to come help, maybe adding a dog to my situation was not best after I lost my old one.

Some times being sensible about our circumstances is worth more, for everyone’s sake, than making a commitment to one more pet we will struggle to hold up?

I have friends in my situation and the stress and worry about their situation and their pets is weighty, to the point that they now wish they didn’t have them, while loving having them to death.

Your decision, find a real support group that will be there for you and your pets, reinvent yourself to let others help, or to go on without one more to look after in your life when that is becoming a bit too hard.

Get another dog, you will make it work, or decide not to and find other ways to go for walks, to do other without a dog?

Bet you will find your way, one way or another, I did, many do.

[jherold]

You weren’t slow, those just weren’t your dog! Keep looking and keep your options open. Maybe a mini Aussie. I see a lot of them in scentwork. Smaller, but plenty of drive to be fun and to be active with. Just keep looking!

[Eclectic_Horseman]

Great post, @Bluey.

I think that for some, it may be time to look on the bright side. Dogs can be very limiting. You always have to be there to feed and walk them at certain times.

Perhaps volunteering at a no-kill shelter would help get you some dog time? Or becoming a foster intermittently?

I don’t know what I will do when my time comes. I pretty sure that this will be my last 120 pound dog.

[Zu_Zu]

Might not be a popular idea but here it is ~ bring the barn cats “home” ~ they will adjust and love it and you will enjoy some calm noise & comfort ~ this has worked for me !

((hugs)) laced with strength & peace ~

The barn cat/ cats that you already love and care for ~ give them and yourself an upgrade ~

[Mango20]

Does the trainer you were working with know you’re looking for your next dog friend? She might have connections and hear about dogs needing a home.

I’m not a small dog person and probably never will be. However, a solid medium sized dog would work for me if I need to consider size as I age. Right now I have a 45 pound dog (and a 65 pounder). The 45 is easy to handle, can’t get the better of me, and I can pick her up if necessary. The younger dog is the bigger one, and I’ll be in my mid-60s when she gets older and may need some physical help.

[endlessclimb]

Our dogs are mid 30 to 40 lbs and they are easy to manhandle if needed. They are also plenty big enough to not be a coyote snack.

To avoid going into the shelter, can you phone them, tell them what you’re looking for, and have them arrange a visit with dogs that meet the criteria in a meet-room instead of having the walk the whole shelter?

[2DogsFarm]

Local shelter here has a Seniors for Seniors program for cats & dogs. Older (they consider 6 Sr) animals for adopters over 55.
Both are shown online with pics, description & info. Adopted free w/all vax & microchipped.
Maybe there’s something similar in your area?

Maybe @Zu_Zu is on the right track
Cats are good companions & low maintenance.
I’ve even seen some walked on leash.

Hope you find a companion

[Larksmom]

I looked a long time before I found the dog I have now. I found him online, about 100 miles away. I am 71, and he is now 6. He is about 60 lbs, and that is the best size for me. I can’t see me with a small dog, I am not a small dog person. But although I love GSDs, they are simply too big for me. I think I am probably on my last batch of pets. The cats are 13ish, 7 and about 6. Those things you worry about, I do too. If you fill out paperwork in advance, then it will be done when the right dog comes up. But OTOH, if you aren’t ready, then you can maybe pass. I am in a fairly large area with meet up groups, and there are plenty of dog groups to go on walks with.

[luvmyhackney]

The rescue I volunteer at has a program where seniors can long-term foster senior dogs. The rescue foots all the bills as needed. Are any rescues in your area that might offer that?

[anonevent]

It is usually easiest to get pre-approved by a rescue and work with them to find a dog who is the right fit. Or, apply to foster and adopt the foster dog who you click with.

[GraceLikeRain]

I second this. I think there’s a lot of value in building rapport with 1-2 rescues. Once you are pre approved you can have a candid conversation about what you are seeking and may be matched with a dog before it is ever publicly listed. When I fostered I often had a short list of people looking for specific traits and several of mine were placed without ever being listed online.

[Cat_Tap]

Zu Zu, been there done that. When Bentley died 2 years ago I decided to do just that. I have two boys that get along well. They had each been in the house on their own after their surgery. Used the littler box and were good companions.

However when I brought them in together they each adopted a seat on my good sofa and marked it as their own. After futile attempts to clean and get rid of the smell I had to have it professionally done. Was very expensive and don’t want to do that again.

They are lovely cats and are well looked after but live in the barn. They do join me on the deck or just follow me around the property

[Zu_Zu]

Goldfish