Am I Too Old To Get Another Dog

5 Key Issues

With two exceptions, my spouse and I’ve owned not less than one canine all through our 44 years of marriage. The primary exception was some thirty years in the past once we nonetheless had two cats. The second exception is now.

Our beloved border collie, Skye, crossed over the rainbow bridge this previous summer time and we’re nonetheless reeling in grief. We miss the enjoyment of the greeting we acquired when returning residence, no matter whether or not we had been gone 3 hours or 3 weeks. When the fridge ice maker grinds, there’s no ready mouth to catch the one dice that falls exterior the glass. We dote on associates’ new puppies and we nonetheless go the the canine seashore in Jupiter, Florida to get our pet repair. Witnessing the bond between the playful canine and his proprietor touches us and we get to elucidate our longing to a sympathetic ear. And we nonetheless have poop luggage and canine treats in numerous pants and jacket pockets.

However after dwelling with out Skye for these 6 months, our reply to the inevitable query we’re requested, “Are you going to get one other canine?” is now a bit much less sure, and we’re a bit extra hesitant to reply.

Our life-style has definitely modified. I felt no guilt escaping from the dreadful Florida climate this previous August and September for what I name our “evacuation trip.” And I definitely don’t miss having to stroll Skye within the rain. However I clearly miss the devotion, companionship, and unconditional love I used to be granted from our canines. Previously after we’d misplaced a pet, that alone at all times made my reply quite simple.

So what’s modified? The reply is “my age.” I’m 74 years outdated now. Any canine we get will probably reside 12 to fifteen years, making me nearly 90 years outdated. In order the title of this text says, “Am I too outdated to get one other canine?” Listed below are some issues I’ve as I age.

1. Am I too outdated? I fear that I gained’t be capable to do all of the issues I have to do to boost a wholesome and devoted companion. I can barely bend down now so the thought of pooper scooping 10 years from now will not be a small concern. Will I’ve the power to coach the brand new member of our household? I’m used to a very skilled companion whom I might completely belief to remain by my facet, even and not using a fence. Is it real looking for me to tackle a younger pup and count on that she’ll be as straightforward as Skye was? And what if we get a distinct breed, a canine who’s not as trainable as a border collie? Or we get an older canine whose already skilled however now must be re-homed.
2. What about my well being? Apart from orthopedic points I don’t actually have any medical issues. However what about tomorrow? Might the proverbial bus hit me, leaving the care of a younger canine with my spouse who’s additionally “of an age”? Or worse but, with a stranger?
3. What if I get critically unwell or die earlier than the canine? Once we misplaced Skye I consoled myself with the data that I might take care of the grief higher than she might. However we’ve all heard tales about canines whose house owners died and the canine grieved a lot they wouldn’t depart the gravesite. Skye would have been devastated. For a few years we had been a staff. She’d be damaged. I’d really feel immeasurable guilt understanding the ache I’d brought on her. I’m positive I’d really feel the identical about one other canine.
4. What about our journey and different life-style actions? Once we first adopted Skye, and all through her life, she had a nanny who liked her as a lot as we did. We’d deliver Skye and her brother to the nanny understanding that they had been secure and thrilled to be there. Might we discover another person who cares as a lot for our new pup as we do? If not, how scaled again should we be? As retirees we now have nearly no different obligations and have made journeys away from our canines for so long as 4 weeks, an eternity for a canine. How lengthy will it take earlier than we might discover somebody who’d tackle that duty for thus lengthy? Would we resent the truth that we’d by no means be capable to go away for a month or longer with out bringing the canine? If we will’t depart her for a protracted interval, it means we’d should take her with us. Effectively, as I wrote in my article, “Why I’m Thinking About Handing Over My Car Keys,” I’m not significantly thrilled with the notion of constructing street journeys. And what about flying? There’s zero likelihood I’d think about placing a canine on a business airplane as baggage.
5. What about contemplating a distinct breed? To have the ability to fly within the cabin of a aircraft, a canine must be small. Is that the type of canine I’d be pleased with? Does this match with my imaginative and prescient of a canine frolicking on the seashore? Can I be comfortable with a smaller canine? For over 20 years I’ve had solely border collies. My id is tied to that breed (I really like saying I’m joyful having a canine that’s smarter than me).

I don’t have the solutions. These are all issues that I believe many people have or will face. A number of years in the past, when my spouse and I purchased a brand new mattress, we joked that it might be the final mattress we purchase. Once we reworked our present residence we mentioned this was going to be our “eternally residence.” Can I say that Skye was the final canine I’d ever personal? No, undoubtedly not. I really like being with canines an excessive amount of to spend the remainder of my life lacking that a part of me. Defining the issue is alleged to be step one in developing with an answer. So now on to step 2.