Feeling sad

Thankyou for the mention, Nevers. Now I find myself in the same position as the OP as we, too, have decided no more. Brushing 70 and slowing down ourselves has made us realise that we'd not be able to give a dog the life it deserves.

I can fully understand that Tinny.

When things have not been going so well with our new dog, I often wonder if we should have helped out at the nearest rescue centre or done fostering. I’m not sure I could bring myself to do that though without falling for one of the dogs and keeping it.

It’s a hard decision indeed.     

It's still too soon for us to contemplate anything like that but I know what you mean about falling for one of them, Nevers. 

When our last Bernese died I was strongly against us having another dog although for 35 years we had always had some type of large mutt around. At our age there is the likelihood that  a pet would outlive us, the cost of responsible ownership, the desire to be able to leave the house spontaneously or the implications of extended trips abroad and the possible trauma of losing another loved family pet were all factors.. when I was told that if I died tomorrow OH would immediately have a dog I acquiesced. The small dog which I intended to be her dog arrived and now 18 months later I am absolutely besotted with the bundle of energy, enthusiasm and joie de vive which we have. Duly passported she's ready for megatrips, is small enough to come with us most places and whilst we have foregone some spontaneity in our activities that's outweighed by the laughs we have everyday at her antics. And should we peg out tomorrow she would seem to move in happily with the children and grandchildren.  I was wrong ....but that doesn't go for everyone!

Thanks to everyone for your kind words. I wish we lived near an animal rescue centre where I could volunteer. I would love to help through the Cinnamon Trust or organisations where we would look after dogs when the owners are away on holiday. But my husband isn't keen  on that idea, he thinks he would become too attached to the dog even if we only looked after it for a short time. I think I'm feeling particularly sad at the moment because we have just donated a lot of Poppy's things to the R.S.P.C.A. for use in their rescue centres. Thanks again everyone for your good wishes.

I do so feel for you.  Its a decision I know we're going to face within the next 5 or 6  years and dread it!

I cant even imagine it.

Jo we know how you feel, we had to have our boy put to sleep Friday after suffering from cancer for almost ten months. He was doing well on the chemo but went rapidly downhill last week. We will not be getting another dog but will foster for the Boxer Wefare. People say"don't you get attached to them" but you don't get a chance, as when one dog goes to a new home in the morning another is usualy delivered in the afternoon.

Richard12 I feel for you

Its now 8 years since I lost my beautiful "Goldie" Harvey, and I still miss the stupid Mutt!

The trouble is that it actually doesnt get that much easier as time goes by.   Its true he's not constantly in my thoughts today, but Ive only got to see a lovely Golden and the memories come flooding back.

Like TW I'm a lot older now and less able, so I guess that it would not be fair on the dog for me to have another one now but I do.........!

Only a couple of weeks ago we were staying on our favourite CL,  Goose Slade farm when a young long haired minature Dashound came running up to greet me.  When he was only about a metre away he turned over and arrived sliding on his back, ready to have his tummy tickled !  Got me wondering again...............?

TF

Jo we know how you feel, we had to have our boy put to sleep Friday after suffering from cancer for almost ten months. He was doing well on the chemo but went rapidly downhill last week. We will not be getting another dog but will foster for the Boxer Wefare. People say"don't you get attached to them" but you don't get a chance, as when one dog goes to a new home in the morning another is usualy delivered in the afternoon.

Awful news, Richard. Thoughts are with you.

Oh Richard, we are so sorry to hear of your very sad news. Can't imagine how you feel at the moment. Our 3 year old Labradoodle is also going through chemo, 3 more to go. It must have been such a roller coaster ride before. We can not offer our thoughts and payers.

andrea and kerry