Would yo adopt a 9yr old dog?

[~Hestia~]

I adopted a dog who was almost 7 over 6 years ago, so he is now about 13. He is a very young dog and you wouldn't know he was that old

If they didn't have any major health issues I would be happy to adopt an older dog again! Good luck with deciding.

[LionsandBears]

Yes. If we were in a place where we could have a dog. If I knew the breed and knew they were safe. If we could afford the extra expenses that come with the dog. And we would 100% get pet insurance.

[krysalyss]

I wouldn't be too worried about her behavior as they are tested before being put up for adoption now days.

While this is true, temperament testing isn't 100% and even if a dog is suitable for rehoming, it doesn't mean that it is suitable for every family and home.

On a personal note I brought home a 5 yr old large breed. He is now 12 and noone believes his age. I have the microchip data to prove it but he is so healthy and active that I am pretty sure he will be around a while longer. DS understands he won't be around forever as we have spoken about it. We will all be devastated when it happens but I think as dogs never live as long as us that it is inevitable at some point.

[EiffelTower]

I think if you explain to your kids that she is a bit older, they will understand.

We have a 2 year old that was very close to death a few months back, thankfully my vet worked her magic and healed him. We have spent an absolute fortune on vet bills for my 2 dogs since we got them 2-3 years ago - and they are both purebred with papers!!

If the dog is 9 years or 9 months, you really can't predict their lifespan or their health.... Vet bills and all, I wouldn't trade them for anything, they really are my children and there is nothing better than coming home to 2 wagging tales.

If she is right for you, you will know when you meet her.

[LionsandBears]

Just a note on the vet bills. It may be worth researching types of conditions the breed has tendencies towards. Then find out what pet insurance does and does not cover. I'm not saying you would do this, but it distresses me when people take on the responsibility of an animal but then cant pay the vet bills and either dump the dog or have them put down when they're not at the end of life.

Some people are willing to spend 1000s on their animals. Some people simply cant afford to. So I think it's essential to do a budget and decide before adopting a dog, if it's for life. Which is why I bang on about pet insurance. You cant control for everything, but you can at least have an idea what you're prepared to pay. Especially if things may already be tight financially.

Apart from that, I believe a dog is a gift that gives us more than we can ever give back.

[helle]

And do you think it's fair to the kids to adopt a pet that might only be around for 2-5 years?

no different to a rabbit or guinee pig? sorry, just putting that perspective out there.

I would adopt a 9 year old ridgeback over a 2 year old boxer. My cousin has a 2 year old boxer... and lets just say she's an extremely energetic dog ^^;

[C~Q]

I spoke to the ridgeback lady just now and she said that ridgeback's have a life expectancy of 10-12 years and Lexie is 9 and a half but she has a6yr old male called Bruce so i'm going to look at him on the weekend.
He's currently in foster care and was surrendered because his owners moved into a unit.
He gets on with kids apparently but i'm going to take them with me. She's emailing me pics now...

Sent from my u8800 using Tapatalk

[LuluHB]

no different to a rabbit or guinee pig? sorry, just putting that perspective out there.

I would adopt a 9 year old ridgeback over a 2 year old boxer. My cousin has a 2 year old boxer... and lets just say she's an extremely energetic dog ^^;

Agree with this completely, especially if you explain to the kids right from the start that its an older dog, won't be with you for as long etc but isn't it lovely that the dog is having a lovely "last" home. My kids at 3 and 4 already have a very good understanding of death (age appropriate I think). Its a part of life and I don't believe in hiding it.

Agree 1000% with the comment about boxers too. I've had two boxers and while they are adorable, beautiful, happy dogs they never grow up and are exuberant for the majority of their lives. They are also one of the breeds that has the highest rates of cancer - I lost my gorgeous girl when she was only 4 and that was after I had done a lot of research into blood lines, the more susceptible colours etc.

I think its really great you're taking your kids - they need to be happy with him and him with them. I hope Bruce will be a good addition to your family.

[Phteven]

Our cat died when he was 3 so getting a young animal is no guarantee that it will live to it's life expectancy. Also a life expectancy is an average - it doesn't mean that your dog will clock out at 10 years old. Humans have a life expectancy of 70ish but lots of people live well beyond that.

Good luck finding the right dog.

[Astrolady]

I would adopt an older dog, if I was older myself. We're a month away from bringing home a new fur baby but we're going for a puppy so it will grow up with the children. I am friends with a couple of shelters on facebook, and look at pet rescue once a week. I feel so sorry for the older dogs, but know it wouldn't be right for us.. yet.

[Miss.September]

Did you get a dog, C~Q?

[C~Q]

I'm still waiting...thr landlords son is looking after the place and he initially said yes then a few days later he said he had to check with his parent s who are traveling...this was last week and i'm still waiting to hear back.
Bruce is ready to go and i'm crossing my fingers...

Sent from my u8800 using Tapatalk

[Miss.September]

Good luck

[Jennifer13]

I would, but partly because our dog is 10 and I wouldn't want him to have to put up with a bouncy annoying young friend! Plus, I know how hard it is for older dogs to find homes. At least you'll have a very clear idea of temperament.

GL with either Lexie or Bruce.

[C~Q]

Good luck

Thank you x

Sent from my u8800 using Tapatalk