@chiclet wrote:
I am almost 70 and lost my Pomeranian in August and I miss him every day. I just cannot get over the pain. I want to get another younger one to keep me busy but he may wind up in a shelter if I die before him. I know people say adopt an older shelter dog but I have researched every place online and it is almost all big dogs. My husband and I only have each other and our pets are our world even more so during Covid. I see seniors out walking their dogs and I know that without that dog they would probably never walk or even get out of bed. It is sad that the time in your life you have the time and attention and need for a dog you have to worry about the fact that you dont have the longevity.
So sorry for your loss. I was in my early 60s when I adopted a dog. I looked for a senior since I did not want to have the dog outlive me.
My search lead me to a 9 yr old Lhasa Apso who lost her "mom". They were extreemly close and Holly was mentioned in her obituary. Unfortunately, no one in the family wanted her and she spent a few months living alone in the house when her "mom" was taken to a nursing home, till she died. She was dropped at the local animal shelter where her "mom" volunteered. She was lucky to be put into a foster home. She refused to eat for one month and did not talk there at all.
When I adopted her she began to open up. I fed her some fresh cooked chicken and almost bit my fingers off. She refused all dog food that I tried. And she climbed on dining room tables. I took her to a local woman who communicated with animals. I learned that they would share food and she NEVER ate dog food. So, I learned to cooked a balanced diet for her. She also stared often at the wall for periods of time. Her "mom"visited her.
Holly loved walking and meeting people. She sang and shouted at me. i think I heard her bark a few times.
Holly lived with me for 6 years till contracted IVD. I am still torn apart by it.
Holly's "mom" got her as a pup when she was in her 70s. I would strongly recommend that you would either adopt an older dog and/or have provisions in your will for its care if you pass before they do. It is too cruel to leave a pet behind to an unknown fate.
There are MANY rescues that have older dogs. I could name many, especially by breed. Look by breed or contact Best Friends in Utah who has rescue partners all over the US and ask for an older dog. You will save each other!
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