Just posted for Saffi on rainbow bridge board. I am still very much in the grieving stage . I am fit and active after owning 2 gsp’s over 19 years. Saffi was only five and I felt I had another 7 years to give her. Alas it was not to be and now I am left wondering how to fill the void. My husband and I are both 72 years young... thinking an older rescue would be ideal but it’s a big risk regards it’s background. A puppy gsp ...I could hopefully give at least 10 years of devotion. Or do I need to become accustomed to life without a faithful furry friend? X

No one knows how long they have left be it human or canine as your recent loss shows al too well. So follow your heart and I am sure that any dog that crosses your threshold will be a lucky doggie.

Thank you Kazz for your very kind words they are very much appreciated x

So sorry for your loss, it's so tough losing them and the best way to help ease that pain is by getting another fluff ball.  I think the fact that you are asking means that you will find the right one that meets your requirements.  I wish you the best of luck.  Somewhere out there now or in the future,  there is another best friend looking for your love and attention.

SO Sorry for your loss. We have just said goodbye to one of our cats last week and it is so hard. If I were your age I would just make sure that I had provisions in place should the worst happen or I just not be able to take care of the pup. As long as I had someone committed to taking the dog on if needs be then I would do it! xxx

Thank you. It’s very tough as as most animal owners know. It’s the heavy price we have to pay for loving so much. I’m a great believer in fate and I’m sure something will happen. X

I'm getting on in years, and have no family or close friends.  Living alone I would be so unhappy without my dogs.  I know that if I outlived them all, I would definitely get another pupster.  My will makes sure that any dogs I have when I die, will NOT be collected by the RSPCA.  Crikey, I don't know how they would cope living in a kennel with a concrete run.

I have left my property to the Cinnamon Trust, who will make sure that my dogs go to homes where they will live in the house.  One of the partners at the Veterinary Hospital has promised to collect my dogs and look after them until things are sorted.  He has even said that I must ensure that staff know he must be contacted, even if he's not on duty.

So saga - get a dog, most definitely, and make sure that arrangements are in place should you both go before the dog.  You are not the sort of person who can live happily without a dog.  I know your heartbreak after losing Saffi.  Another dog will help fill your heart again.

I am in complete agreement with all you have written. I have a son who is single and has said he would be completely committed to looking after a dog should we become incapacitated! Also I am aware of the Cinnamon Trust and will, when and if the time comes will make  a will accordingly. I have an incredible amount of doggie stuff which I know could be given to the local rescue...but I would much rather put it to good use myself! I did replace my old 12 year old gsp with Saffi and yes she did fill that place in my heart. So there again I know what you mean. Wow...after all that I’ve almost convinced myself to get another! Thank you for taking the time and effort to answer your thoughts are very much appreciated....watch this space! X

I think you will know whether or not you can cope with another dog at this point.   I'm one for whom age shouldn't matter!!   I bought in two, a year apart, when in my mid 60s

BUT what does matter is making sure you have clear instructions re any new dog you adopt, should your circumstances change.   This always bothered me when we only had our home-breds but as we now have two we bought in, I have made arrangements for at least the breeder of my Whippet to be involved should any rehoming be needed for her.   As for my Basset, not so great as his breeders appear to have vanished off the face of the earth and I've had no contact with them for years now.  However, I do have a contact down here in the SW UK who has said she'll be there for him (and initially for her - I'd prefer them to stay together!).

I don't think there is a hard and fast rule re age when adopting - although I'd suggest you go for a mature dog, not a puppy even if mine were 9 weeks (Whippet) and 4 months (Basset) when we adopted them.

I too contacted Cinnamon Trust at one point when making plans for my two.   Whether I got the wrong person or was asking too much I don't know but they were worse than useless.   I'd hoped there might have been somebody local with whom my two were able to get to know...... ?

"My will makes sure that any dogs I have when I die, will NOT be collected by the RSPCA.  "    Ditto!!!!!

I seem to have adequate ‘backup’ as I have my son, maybe ‘Dogs Trust’ and ‘Cinnamon Trust’ and my local vets are also very good. So in that area all seems in order. Also local dog walkers are actual friends of mine. I may go for a gsp rescue mature dog although that in itself is a challenge. I must get over the grief I am holding for Saffi until I proceed with anything. Thanks for your input. X

Very sorry to hear about Saffi.

Not all GSPs that end up in Rescue are 'horrors' Sometimes dogs end up there through very little fault of their own. Owners die, work and home circumstances change etc. Have a word with Rescue and express your concerns and see what they suggest. You might be pleasantly surprised. You could also try some of the breeders and see if any have older stock looking for a sofa. Good luck.

Thank you in due time I shall follow your advice. X

Saga How are you getting on hope you are all okay?

Saga. Age is a number, nothing else.
My Aunt would have loved the companionship of a dog - she'd had many in earlier years - was still very active in her 90's, mowing a large lawn twice a week, tending the garden & walking a neighbours dog till she was close to 100. Everyone (apart from us) said she was too old when she lost her husband in her early 80's, rubbish,  both would have had a wonderful life & she'd have benefited from the companionship. None of us know 'thankfully' how life will pan out, if you're up for it, go for it. Hope this finds you well.

Hi Kazz. We are trying to keep busy but she seems to appear with everything we do. I still can’t believe she’s passed but life goes on and grieving isn’t going to help. We have taken the first steps by submitting an adoption interest form to German shorthaired pointers rescue. Hoping for a female ages between 3 and 6. Ideally to be owner surrendered and not a foreign stray ex hunter street dog that would have to be completely familiarised and trained. Thank you very much for asking how we are ...very kind.
I shall get back to you if and when we fill the void. X

Hi Lacy. Yes no one knows how long we’ve got. At the moment I feel about  50 ( but I guess I no longer look it!! ) We are definitely going to try and get another dog. One that’s a bit older maybe 3  - to 6 . Didn’t think I could  cope with a pup! It’s all a bit scary because it won’t be Saffi! But we replaced our old gsp with Saffi and grew to love her just as much...even more! Thankyou for asking very kind. X

my only suggestion would be to downsize to a smaller dog. We had Great Danes for 40 years but when Della died I could not face to idea of a 50KG dog on the end of the lead. We got a Buhund and 2 years later I yearned for a second dog and got a sheltie. They are great companions , good to train and very easy on the lead. The buhund was slightly older than a tiny puppy and easy to house train. The sheltie  however was more difficult ...I was not quick enough to get her out when she wanted a wee and she was slow to house train. She is a bit thick about most things except food.
Oh BTW I was over 70 when we got them and asked the breeders to promise to find them good homes if anything should happen to me. also both breed clubs are very proactive in rehoming adult dogs.

Hi Louise. My problem is that I have a love of gsp’s. I have been use to the size of them and they can be trained not to pull on the lead. They are also very very intelligent and easy to housetrain. You say about breeders rehoming  dogs...I wonder if you can give me information or link on how to find out about these dogs. An owner surrendered gsp would be more ideal than a foreign import. Thanks for your input. X

Slight misunderstanding here! I wanted to be reassured that MY dogs would be found a good home if anything happened to me.
The breed club is the way to go for rehoming

Ok thanks Louise.

Still not able to home a German shorthaired pointer . I’ve trolled the internet for hours looking for a darling that would fit my needs. I understand in these uncertain times that rescue centres are Limited as to what they can do. But one would think that there are loads of dogs out there needing a well equipped and loving home! Thought of going down the puppy venue but even there I come up to a block! Hope to be back with some more positive news soon! Wondering if anyone is having the same problem?

Not having the same problem, but just wanted to say good luck with your search.  I lost my old girl recently, and it really does tear a part of your soul out when they go.  I have another five still, including her half sister, niece and great niece, but even when you know you've given them the best life possible it's never easy.  I've decided while I'm young and fit enough I am going to keep as many as I can (sensibly) and wind things down slowly as I get older.  From my point of view it's slightly easier finding the next one as I will be breeding on from my now youngster in a couple of years, pending health test results.

Hi Saga - I'm in exactly the same place having lost my beloved Basset just 10 days ago.  When we lost our last home-bred, and were 10 + years younger than we are now, I immediately set about finding another Basset puppy thinking that unlike my home-breds, there'd be a breeder out there to step in if the worst happened and neither of us was around.  Just as well that didn't because his breeder, who I have written to let them know about his loss, has vanished off the face of the earth.

I'm now in such a dark hole, not knowing what to do for the best, and lurching between letting my Whippet (now 11.5 years with a breeder still around!) live out her days and see where we are then, or jumping in with another dog.  My head says not another Basset and in truth, looking at other possibilities, it's clear to me that there will never be another Frankie, warts and all.   He was unique.   So that's it for Bassets and right now I don't think I can do another puppy either.

I think, for me, it's as well there's a lock-down as it's stopping me from making a hasty, and potentially wrong, decision.

Does age come into it?   In some ways yes but in other ways, no really.  If I'm left on my own, I know I'd HAVE to have another dog.

I know this won't help but I hope you can find your own solution....... it HURTS.

Hi again. You know exactly what I am feeling! Since losing Saffi just before Christmas, my husband and I have felt absolutely empty. This lock down has made it all even worse. The house is so quiet and although daily exercise is allowed , we don’t really now see a purpose in going for a walk.

Yes your input does help. If only for me to realise that I’m not the only one with a broken heart. I wish you well for the future and hope you do manage to find another dog .he or she won’t replace Frankie or Saffi but they’ll surely heal a bit of your heart! X

Thank you.

I wonder if established breeders who have had to reconsider their breeding and showing plans for this year (and perhaps even longer term) may be thinking about retiring some of their older breeding dogs to sofa homes.  Might be worth contacting some to inquire?

Trying to think ahead rather than back..... I'd be interested to know what reaction have older people with loads of experience had, when trying to adopt from a Rescue?  I really can't take being knocked back because of age!   I'm also considering whether it would be fair on any dog (I'm not thinking puppy) to adopt them and then have it outlive me and so have to go back to where it came from? 

In other words, does age indeed come into it?

When I found myself in the position of being dog-less (after having had dogs all my life), I was lucky enough to be able to walk a dog in my community for a lady who had just lost her husband. I was really struggling having lost two dogs in quick succession and this lady's generosity in trusting me with her beloved dog helped me more than she will ever know.

Saga, I know this isn't the same thing as having your own dog but I wonder if this might help until you can get your own dog:

Cinnamon Trust Volunteers.

After 'lockdown' ends I fear there will be many dogs looking for a new home, so do not give up hope.

Hi. Yes I am thinking of emailing some breeders on Champdogs  to see if any are available. Thanks.

Yes I a have a friend that volunteers for Cinnamon Trust. Could be a good idea ..a way out! Thanks . I’m not giving up hope ...yet!

It is a difficult one, but none of us know what is round the corner, and we can only plan for so much.
Ultimately life is about living, and if owning a dog makes you happy and you are physically fit enough to care for a dog now, then there is  no reason why you shouldn't. Of course put measures in place, incase the dog outlives you, or your health takes a turn, but you never know it might not, and in ten years time you'll still be here, without a dog and will look back and regret not doing it.

Thank you for being so positive. X

Jan. I know it's early days but have you thought of fostering, the B.R.N.G.B are always looking. The numbers released to them are shocking, & before last Christmas had to close their doors temporarily, due to lack of placements. Just a thought?

Lacy - thanks for the suggestion but (and this is part of why Charities foster ) I'm not sure I could let a foster go!!    It is still early days - only 2 weeks today since we said goodbye to Franks........     Teazel is doing ok and I suppose I'm not going into 'melt down' quite so often which I guess means the rawness is passing.   I wish I could get out, perhaps to Dogs Trust up in Ilfracombe to start exploring what might and what might not, be possible.  And make a decision whether or not to let T. live her life out without having to accept another dog coming in....................Oh Frankie, how I wish you'd stuck around for just a few more years.

What do those initials stand for?    Oh silly me .... Basset Rescue Network of Great Britain.

Just a thought mambas if u did foster and couldn't let the dog go u would have  your answer and another dog :)
Failed fosters are quite common ,I am sure u know.
I think u will know when its right to either have another dog or not. It so early and feelings will change I would try and go with it for now . U will find the answer in time

F.F Just about to say the same re fostering, also & I could be wrong but often fostering costs are covered by the charity until the dog finally finds a forever home or become a failed foster! Hope this finds you all well.

All good here thank u lacy. Hope the same for u 2
.I am under the same impression re fosters as u .

> It so early and feelings will change I would try and go with it for now

You are right.   I had another 'moment' this morning as I cooked breakfast.  When Frankie came into the kitchen, I didn't have to see him (and usually avoided tripping over him although that did happen, once) to feel him there.  Yes, it happened this morning - I automatically looked to check and no, he wasn't 'there'. 

I have read many stories of people seeing their departed dogs and have always tended to think it's mind over matter - but is it?

Re fostering for BH Rescue - if I've pretty much decided anything at this time, it's no more Bassets.  Not just because there won't be another Frankie, but my back is shot and another heavy Basset is not for me now.

Thanks ff for being positive.  ( > U will find the answer in time).  If nothing else, I'm a firm believer that as one door shuts, another opens.

I think whatever you decide to do the dog that you eventually get chosen by will be a lucky one.

> I think whatever you decide to do the dog that you eventually get chosen by will be a lucky one.

So kind - bless!