Pet Lovers

[Vickiv]

I had 17-year-old Yorkie that I lost back in May.   Two months afterwards my other rescue dog developed kidney failure. So now she does not have long to live. I’m doing everything to keep her going. There is a dog that is up for adoption she six years old and weighs about 8 pounds. I’m a senior citizen who is 75 years old . That is why am adopting an older dog. This dog that I like is adorable but am I making a mistake adopting another dog now or should I wait until my other dog passes? I feel like I might hurt the feelings of my dog.  I don’t know what to do. 

[YorkieonmyPillow]

  @Vickiv  Sorry you are facing the loss of your beloved dog. I would go ahead & adopt the new dog - I don't think it would hurt your dog's feelings; she would have a new friend and who knows, perhaps your dog would be comforted knowing that she will not be leaving you alone. XO

[Daysdee]

I can't suggest what to do about adopting now or later.   Now might be good if there is a dog that you really want.   I am around your age.  When my last dog passed, I got another rescue in two or three weeks.  I live alone and a pet is so much company and "family."  I hope to have this dog many more years, but if I am in decent health and something happens to her I know I will look for another dog right away.    A dog makes this house a home.  Good luck with your decision.  (Sorry your dog has health problems.)

[ccassaday]

If you think your older dog would do well with another then go for it. My sister has two seniors. When the older one passed she started fostering. She has adopted two of those dogs now. They are both under a year. Her old lab has gotten a pep in step with the younger ones around.

[x Hedge]

Wait.
I made the mistake of adopting a young adult dog while my older dog was as you describe yours. Less than 24 hours later I ended up having to take the newly adopted dog back to the shelter and put it up for adoption again. It was a horrible experience for all 3 of us.

[Lapdog]

@VickivI am so sorry for you to lose your baby and then possibly your other one.

My suggestion is, I would make sure the new kid will be kind and not dominate. 

Check with the foster and test your dogs together before you take the new kid in.

Very best wishes and bless you for taking in another pet that needs a home.

[Vickiv]

Yes Daysdee I am the same way. I can’t live without a dog. I live alone and they are like family. I also am in decent health.  My children tell me I have a nursing home for dogs because of the age of them but they need love to. 

[sissel]

This is a wonderful story that you want to adopt a elderly dog since you lost one & seems the other dog maybe going to heaven soon. Older dogs are not that fast to be adopted and I think it will give you & the dog the companion that you both need. 

[Vickiv]

Hedge you are so right. My dog I have now disliked my Yorkie so jealous but yet they tolerated each other. They did it for 8 years. When the Yorkie passed my other dog took it hard.

[Drythe]

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@Vickiv wrote:

I had 17-year-old Yorkie that I lost back in May.   Two months afterwards my other rescue dog developed kidney failure. So now she does not have long to live. I’m doing everything to keep her going. There is a dog that is up for adoption she six years old and weighs about 8 pounds. I’m a senior citizen who is 75 years old . That is why am adopting an older dog. This dog that I like is adorable but am I making a mistake adopting another dog now or should I wait until my other dog passes? I feel like I might hurt the feelings of my dog.  I don’t know what to do. 

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@Vickiv

I am so very sorry for your loss.  We lost our 12 year old sight hound 3 weeks ago while I was in the hospital.  I can’t stop crying for her.  She was old & in poor health, but not, as we knew in any immediate danger.  I wish I could have kissed her nose goodby.

Anyway sorry, to get to what I was trying to say.  My husband brought her body home so our 3 year old Lab and 5 cats could say good bye.  The Lab whined and bumped her with his head trying to wake her up.  He was very clingy for several days after.   I do know they have feelings for and about one another.  We have always had a blended family, and there is always a bit of jockeying for position as everyone gets used to their new positions in the family.

It is so very sweet and loving of you to worry about your babies feelings, so many just don't think animals have any.  I too would hesitate a bit.  I could see how a new dog might stress your current baby, but then again she might like some doggie company as she too has lost a friend.

Does your vet have an opinion?  Is the dog you want to adopt in a safe place?  Are you worried about her wellbeing.?  Will they hold her for you?  Those answers might help you decide.  Is there a friend who could foster for you until the time comes?  What does your heart say?

I seem to have only offered more questions, but I believe your kind heart will make the right decisions.

Sending you Peace and Joy for thr beautiful memories you have with your furry loves.  I’ll be thinking about you and your dogs, please let us know what you decide.