Pet Lovers

[MrsSB]

@Boomernichols Does it have to be a puppy? I advocate for Senior Dogs for Seniors. Or even a mature adult dog and leave the young pups for younger families.

[Just Bling]

@Boomernichols 

Oh my, if you said you were 80 years old, I would question the desire for a new dog but based on your age, you have at least 2 more in the horizon.

Make sure you post a pic...........would love to see your new squeeze.

[Sushismom]

I'm 65. I lost my best friend in November, 2020. Granted, he was a cat and not a dog. When I was ready to adopt again, I went with an older cat instead of a kitten. And that's what I would suggest for you: get an older dog, not a puppy. Their characters are established; what you see is what you get. 

[Meowingkitty]

I have a friend who is 60 that lost her 2 older dogs this year. She is getting a divorce and just got a Boston Terrier puppy. We just adopted an 18 month old kitty. I say go for it.

[CamilleP]

@Boomernichols   If you want a Westie puppy, then make sure you buy one from a responsible, ethical breeder who will stand behind that pup for the rest of it's life, so that if something happens and you or DH become unable to care for the pup, the breeder will take it back.  That was part of my puppy sales contract when I was breeding Scotties, the pup HAD to come back to me if the owners ever couldn't keep it.  I didn't want one of my babies winding up in a shelter somewhere!

When I was in my mid-50's, I got my last young dog, a male Scottie from a breeder who had gotten her foundation girl from me several generations previous to the litter my boy came from.  He was supposed to have been a show dog, he was the pick of his litter, but at 9 months his tail went squirrelly, so she placed him in a pet home, mine.  He was 10 months, and my other Scotties were all about to turn 9 years old when he came to live with them.  As I gradually lost each of them over time, he remained young at heart.  He is now almost ten years old, and still my youngest dog, as I have adopted two elderly terriers from shelters since Feb. of 2020, a Manchester who is probably 14 or 15 at this point first, and a year later a 13 year old Cairn boy.  At this point in time, in my mid-60's, I don't ever plan to get another puppy, as I am dedicated to making a home for any elderly terriers who find themselves homeless in my local region.  These poor old dogs are less likely to be adopted based on their age alone, disregarding the challenge of being a terrier, which is not quite like being what most people would think of as a "normal" dog.  I am sure, as a former Westie Mom, you know what I mean when I say that terriers are not really dogs, they are barking cats, LOL! 

By all means, though, if you can find a good breeder to buy from, get another Westie puppy, no other dog can burrow into your heart quite as deep as a terrier does, I truly believe that!  Given how long your Toby lived, I hope you can go back to his breeder for one of his relatives, there are clearly some good genes in that line!

[Pook]

@Boomernichols   I'm 69 and would not hesitate to get another dog if something happened to mine.  Pets are the number one thing that keeps seniors feeling younger, from less anxiety and loneliness.  

[Laneysmom]

@Boomernichols ...At 60,I certainly do not think you would be irresponsible to adopt another dog. If you really want a puppy or a specific breed of dog, I suggest you contact a reputable breeder of the breed of dog you want. Instead of a puppy, they may have a slightly older dog that was returned to them for some reason. In many instances, the reason for return is not because of something the dog has done...many times it's because of unforeseen problems the person or family is dealing with that makes it impossible for them to provide the loving care their dog deserves.   You could also contact a no-kill animal shelter to find your new doggie companion.         I'm about to turn 75 in 2 weeks. Nine years ago I adopted a 6 yr.old Himalayan mix cat, my precious Laney, who had been adopted and returned twice...once because of unknown allergies and once because a mother & daughter lost their home to foreclosure and couldn't take her with them. Laney and I have been best buddies ever since I brought her home. I am comforted in knowing that if I die before her, Laney will go back to the rescue organization I got her from..."Friends for Life"....where she will be lovingly cared for by it's founder.  Go for it.....As someone else said...our pet best friends keep us young and give us endless love!!!! 

[SXMGirl]

@Boomernichols  While no dog will take the place of yours, going to a shelter and adopting honors your dog.  Personally, I believe that seniors should adopt seniors.  Too many are abandoned and they are already trained.  A puppy requires a tremendous amount of work.  Whatever you choose, I wish you much happiness when you do adopt.

[Love my grandkids]

Have you considered an older dog? Too many senior animals languish in shelters while the younger ones get snapped up.

[Terrywu]

Husband and I got Otto 6 years ago at 75.  At 60 you are young, trust me.  Some posters may be right in you considering an older dog.  Otto was 8 weeks old and we live in a condo, so it was rough going for a while.  Needless to say he has adjusted and so have we.  Go for it!