counturchickens Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 My father in law (87) has been very lonely since he lost his wife last year. He is fit (for his age!) and we were thinking an older dog might be good company. He is able to take a dog for a walk, and financially ok for vets bills etc. does anyone have any experience of this, and is it a good idea? He lives in south west Scotland, if anyone has any ideas about where we might find a suitable dog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken shack Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 You will need to run it by him first. However I think it would be a great idea. Why not check out the dog homes for a dog that may have lost it's owner because they had died. A terrier type dog are usually quite hardy and intelligent . Good luck and keep us all informed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 I hate to say this, but you need to think of contingency plans as to what would happen to the dog if your FILs health took a turn for the worse. Would be tragic to rescue a dog, for it to need to be back in a rescue centre in a year or two. If you can find a back up home in the family... I think it's a great idea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 I completely agree with Space Chick. I think an older dog would make a super companion for your FIL, but sadly you will need to think about a contingency plan in case, for whatever reason, your FIL is no longer able to take care of it. Good on you/FIL for thinking of taking on an older dog though, they are often overlooked in rescues but make great pets for the right person. What does FIL think about this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patsylabrador Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 My parents used to have ducks which disappeared one night. They were heartbroken and said they would never have another pet especially my dad who is s big softy. They especially did not want a dog, I think they were a bit worried about the cost and responsibility. Because of some messy relationship events they had to take in a little terrier, she's about 4 and they love her completely. She is very much their dog now and brings them a lot of pleasure. My dad is suffering from long term diabetes and is a bit wobbly and I think wouldn't go out walking if it wasn't for the dog. ( by the way, any suggestions for persuading him to use a stick, he's too proud but always falling over as he has no feeling in his feet) Having something else sharing your space is comforting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
counturchickens Posted December 4, 2011 Author Share Posted December 4, 2011 Thanks for the comments. We had thought about what happens if fil can't look after one any longer, there are lots of extended family members who could look after it if the worst happens. He likes dogs, one of his neighbours who pops in has one, but you're right we would need to talk to him properly. He actually does really well for human company as he still has lots of friends who come and see him as well as family, it's just for the last 10 yrs of her life my mil needed quite a lot of care, and he has lost a bit of his 'purpose', and people visiting isn't the same as having something to do each day. We're seeing him next week so will have a further chat. Also my sil who lives closer needs to be in agreement as she is the one who is closer and would probably need to be involved a bit more (she had the idea too though!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 It sound like a fabulous idea (especially if you have a contingency plan already!). When my parents were a bit younger and more mobile they used to look after Riley on the days I worked and they loved it (and him ). My dad is 91 and in a home now but still talks really fondly of Riley . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griffin Posted December 5, 2011 Share Posted December 5, 2011 Can I suggest adopting from Oldies Club? They've older dogs in foster homes throughout the country, including Scotland and I am sure they could help find a companion for your FIL All of their dogs are aged seven and upwards. http://www.oldies.org.uk/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bramble Posted December 5, 2011 Share Posted December 5, 2011 Cinnamon Trust are also very good - they do everything they can to keep owners and pets together but do lots of rehoming work when sadly, for whatever reason, that is no longer possible. I think much of whether this would work or not is down to the dog in question ... an older dog and/or a laid back breed (dare I mention the most wonderful breed in the world, the couch potato that is the greyhound) Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted December 5, 2011 Share Posted December 5, 2011 Perhaps he could take the neighbour's dog for walks, or have it round for a bit during the day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
counturchickens Posted December 5, 2011 Author Share Posted December 5, 2011 Thanks all, especially griffin and bramble. The oldies club looks the thing, and they feature dogs on the cinnamon trust too. It is really sad reading all the stories! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
