>Infact, thinking about it, I may make a firm conviction to except anyone from my criteria who has a swathe of footmen to take over

Good plan! Of course 'swathe of footmen' can be translated as 'family'. :-)

> celibate spinsters under 40

Well that was me for 15 years well a divorcée, but then out of the blue I married again.  Fortunately decided against motherhood second time around, even though he has no children.

If you'd asked me how likely that was I'd have said as likely as snow in July.

We just never can tell what is written for anyone in the future.  I too would prefer that my pups had lifelong homes, but if a change of home becomes necessary that's what I am there for, assuming I don't drop of the mortal coil.  Many breeders are themselves 'older' as that means they are at home and able to devote their time to their dogs, which they couldn't do so much whilst working, bringing up children etc..

> Of course 'swathe of footmen' can be translated as 'family'.

I doubt it :)

I can see both sides of the argument. I can't imagine not having dogs when I'm in my twilight years BUT I am always shocked when I see an obviously old person with a large bouncy puppy and my first thought is 'What kind of breeder sold them that dog?' Guess it depends a lot on the breed as well. All very well saying there is a support/a back-up plan if old people die or get too infirm to look after the dog but other people's circumstances do change and whilst the family might have been willing/able at the time of purchase, who knows what might happen/how they might feel in the future?

> I can't imagine not having dogs when I'm in my twilight years BUT I am always shocked when I see an obviously old person with a large bouncy puppy and my first thought is 'What kind of breeder sold them that dog?'

That's why I'm a supporter of the Cinnamon Trust.
They do a great deal to help older people keep their dogs, and also help out during temporary illness or disability of any owner. I know several volunteers locally who work with dogs & their owners in my local community, walking them daily if necessary.

I have thought about volunteering as well... but lately caring for my elderly mother has taken up too much of my time as she has been almost housebound for the last 4 months, meaning time to walk my own dogs has been in short supply. Thankfully she is on the mend now, but I'd still consider becoming a volunteer in the future.

>BUT I am always shocked when I see an obviously old person with a large bouncy puppy

Well, the old person you see could be me.  And I may have bred that bouncy puppy myself!

I have loads of dogs, and no next of kin to take on my household, should I be found dead, half eaten, and surrounded by dogs. 

I defend to the death my right to own dogs if I so wish. 

Fortunately I only went to one funeral last year and the person was old and been ill.  I also personally know of 10 (ten) couples who split up last year and they are all dog owners now facing difficulties.  Maybe the older owners are a better bet?

> also personally know of 10 (ten) couples who split up last year

Perhaps you know a lot of people :)  Statistically there were only about 11 divorces per thousand in the latest figures and it is less in those that have been married longer, which is the group that I would be considering.

> I have loads of dogs, and no next of kin to take on my household, should I be found dead, half eaten, and surrounded by dogs

Lol. I have often thought that is likely to be my fate too.I do have family but as I am always out with the dogs the kids don't worry if they can't get me on the phone. If I had an accident and died at home it would probably be ages before I was found. The dogs are raw fed now so I guess when they got hungry it would be obvious what they would do.

> Statistically there were only about 11 divorces per thousand in the latest figures and it is less in those that have been married longer, which is the group that I would be considering.

So presumably you are also excluding those people who are "living in sin" too?

> Statistically there were only about 11 divorces per thousand in the latest figures and it is less in those that have been married longer, which is the group that I would be considering

Yikes there were 4 couples split up in my running club alone last year that I know of!!!!!! And its not a huge running club LOL
All had dogs, all have kept the dogs!!!
Lea :)

> So presumably you are also excluding those people who are "living in sin" too?

No, you presume wrong, I just use the term marriage for shorthand.  :)

When we went for our 'interview' to see if we were good enough for a puppy we were a bit surprised to be asked if we were married (we were) - amongst other things.  The breeder explained that married people split less often than people living together.   People trying to adopt a baby also report quite intrusive questions - I guess you ask whatever you think is necessary to be as sure as you can that your 'baby' is going to a good home.     As a first time owner I did need to keep repeating this to myself!

>I guess you ask whatever you think is necessary to be as sure as you can that your 'baby' is going to a good home.     As a first time owner I did need to keep repeating this to myself!

:-)  :-)  I understand totally.  Last week I had a phone call and the lady concerned said that she had never been so interrogated in her life.  She took offence I think.  However, it is my responsibility to ensure my precious little ones have the best ever homes and owners that understand their needs.  And if people are not prepared to listen to what those needs are, they can go fly their kites!  :-)

You were right to keep reminding yourself.  :-)  We do it with the very best intentions.  I have to be honest, I do my utmost to put people off.  It works quite often.  It means they weren't that commited.  So don't think badly of us and our intrusive questions! 

I have sold puppies to two owners in their 70's but I knew their families were willing to take on their dogs and to be honest this was many years ago and both couples still keep in touch with me and are fit and healthy, older people usually have more understanding and are very kind and loving not to mention are home all day so it's a win win. I'd rather sell a puppy to someone in their 70's than a couple in their 30's with very young children experience has taught me these are the most likely to neglect or rehome their dogs (please dont get me wrong not all people in their 30's or people with young kids are like this) thought I better add that statement before I got abuse off all the 30 some things lol.

As well as helping with walks, fostering during illness etc., the Cinnamon Trust will also home a bereaved pet, or one whose owner can no longer keep it even with support, to older people.  My foster dog is shortly going off to a new home with an elderly couple, who are experienced dog owners.  It seems ideal, as a pet who has been owned by an older person may be elderly itself (my foster is over 10), and often knows how to behave appropriately.

I hope your mother is continuing to recover.  :-)