Too old for anothe??

[annclare]

I have had cockers over nearly 50 yrs and for a while have had 2 together. I sadly lost my lovely Matte at the end of 24, very suddenly to a ruptured spleen tumour after having a clean bill of health just 3 wks before. I live alone and my dogs are my constants. Over the last few weeks I have been putting feelers out for another 2nd cocker (which would be my 12th), Kellie is now over 10 and I am looking for one around 7. I need to say now - I am 83, no health problems, slightly impaired mobility following a fall resulting in broken hip, successfully repaired, over 2 yrs ago. Am I being selfish in wanting another? I am lucky to have parkland right outside my house, enclosed garden front and back; I still drive so easy to get them to vets, groomers, etc. My grandson comes every Sunday and they get a good walk with him. I have Cinnamon Trust walking them too during the week and I am still able to walk them myself but not as far as I did in the past. Please be honest in your replies. x
     

[vixen]

You sound a very sensible person as you are asking the question, showing you are putting the dogs needs before your own.  Taking on a 7 year old is very different to taking on a puppy.
In 2021 I lost my two heart dogs and I didn't have a purpose to get up in the morning.   I have had two spaniels together for a long time and I was lost without them. I live alone and I was worried about taking on another dog as I have had 3 slipped discs which has left me with spinal problems.I talked to one of my daughters and it was agreed she would have the dog if anything happened to me.  I then went ahead and got puppy Maisie ( it was during Covid and rescues were practically
impossible to obtain ). I then got Ned nearly 3 years ago but as before I asked my daughter.  I have made provisions for them in my will so that my daughter will be able to look after them financially.
Having the dogs means I have to go out and walk them and I have found the exercise actually helps my mobility and strength.
None of us know what will happen in life. Being young doesnt t come with the guarantee that you will have a long healthy life.
Making provisions for your dogs  future will provide you with peace of mind too
There are lots of older dogs looking for a loving home and would enjoy pottering around in your garden.  Maybe also look for an older dog who is not that active or has health problems.  Just that my previous working cockers were as fit at 7 as they were at 2!    Did not start  to slow down until they were about 12.
 if you feel up to it - go for it. 

[Mudmagnets]

I'm with vixen, if you feel it is the right thing to do then go for it, with all the things you have in place sounds like you are well prepared.

The only thing I would say, if maybe if you feel a cocker would have too much energy for you and Kellie, how about a smaller breed dog with less energy/drive?.

Whatever you decide it will be the right choice because it's yours 

[bizzylizzy]

You?ve had cockers all your life, know what?s involved and are the best judge over whether you?re fit enough to offer them a happy life. From what you?ve said, I would say that you?re probably in a better position than lot of younger people who?s circumstances are a more inconstant, and as Vixen rightly points out, being young gives no guarantees, we saw that during Covid! (and incidently I think everyone, whatever age, should consider and make provisions for their animals anyway). There are so many particularly older dogs waiting for a loving home and time spent with you is always going to be better for them than wasting away in a kennel, as far as I see it, it would be a win win situation.
There?s absolutely nothing selfish about wanting ensure your own health and happiness and also that of an older dog, you?ve still got loads to offer, I would say go for it!!!
Very best of luck, do keep us posted! 

[annclare]

Thank you Vixen, Mudmagnets and BizzyLizzy for your encouraging posts. I truly don't feel I want to change breeds (perhaps next time I come back on earth but my love affair with cockers will continue this time!). I have just registered with SARR and hope a home inspection will be carried out very soon although possibly delayed with the Easter hols. By chance they have a lovely 7yr old female who looks so like my Kellie! Unfortunately she is a long way away and my son who I know would take me in different circs is currently undergoing chemo treatment for leukaemia so not ideal, plus I'm sure she will be rehomed too quickly for my application for her to be considered. I will keep you posted on my quest! Thanks again, and happy, peaceful Easter to everyone. xx   

[Mudmagnets]

Thanks for the update, wishing you the best of luck with your search, with all your experience I have a feeling you won't have to wait long.

Sorry to read about your son, wishing him and yourself well.

Happy Easter to you too.

[annclare]

Thank you Mudmagnets. xx

[MIN]

Our miss Molly is now 17 months old. We are 64 and 65.  Although we have had pups in the past, Molly has been a eye-opener. We are both fit and healthy but her energy has us tearing our hair out. She might be a one off lunatic but no more pups for us.  She is so energetic and has never napped or slept during daytime. All sleeps have to be enforced in her crate
Ps. We love her dearly. Just wish she would sit still for 5 mins 🙏🤣🐾🐾❤️

[annclare]

Min - I've never really had a very young pup which I regret in some ways. And certainly at the age I am now, I know my limitations in every way! Good luck with Miss Mollie; sure she will calm down but probably not any time soon - at least there are 2 of you to take it in turns to recharge! x

[annclare]

My application to SAAR took 2 weeks from home check before I had any communication; I was thinking it was a no no because of my great age but lo and behold, yesterday I got acceptance - limited to older dog, happy with short walks, etc which is just what I'm hoping for. Given access to the closed list - mostly springer spaniels (too big for me), lots of puppies/young dogs (ruled out for me) - I immediately applied for the American cocker (which I had seen weeks ago and would have been a first for me) only to be told she has been rehomed. Back to square one! Kellie, my current cocker underwent dental work, lost 13 teeth and needs another 10 removed, poor girl. Life is full of trauma right now but at least the sun is shining. x

[Jaysmumagain]

To be positive the fact that homecheck has gone through and you have access to the closed list is in my mind a step forward.  I am sure viewing the list when you can will see more dogs added.

We were knocked back twice by one rescue several years ago.  The process seemed harrowing - pictures of our enclosed garden etc were sent.  One hour phone session with someone who admitted she had only had cocker spaniels for past 6 years and but assured us we were really ideal.  The third time they contacted us asking if we could take a 12 year old who was 252 miles away.  Sadly we felt the 500mile trip was to far for any dog with new owners to be asked to travel.

So while these things are not instant it does show that they are in need of homing and fingers crossed one will come along.

take care J

[annclare]

Thank you J. You and everyone will know immediately I am back to 2 cockers! x

[Jaysmumagain]

Annclare

I wondered if you have looked at Many Tears Animal Rescue or MTAR.  I think they are happy to place older dogs if they match with older people and it says they don't have an age limits.

They have a choc cocker spaniel springer cross  age 12 years.  My heart just melts.

Anyway it is worth a try for future cockers, I know the rescue is well known to several on here over the years.

I find it refresshing to think they have an no age policy and ask an older person to think of an older dog rather than a young one

[bizzylizzy]

That sounds positive news! I?m crossing fingers for you, I?m sure the right dog will come along soon and he/she will be worth the wait. Best of luck, do keep us updated! Hugs to Kellie, hope all the dental work?s not too traumatic, ( but I bet that  cocker tail?s still wagging!  )
Xx

[annclare]

Thank you BizzyLizzy. I am feeling sad today as it would have been Matte's 13th birthday. I am giving myself a bit of a break in looking for no 2 as it can become all consuming. Kellie is fully recovered from her 1st dental work and booked in for the second 16/06 (they offered me 09/06 which I declined being my 84th birthday! -not that I'll be doing anything special but don't want to spend it worrying about her). And yes, her tail is still wagging, she is such a happy soul. Wishing everyone a happy Bank Holiday weekend. x