Would yo adopt a 9yr old dog?

[C~Q]

I'm going to adopt a dog and I keep coming accross this one beautiful Ridgeback called Lexie...the only trouble is she's nine years old.

I'm not going to get a puppy but i'm a bit worried that nine is gtting on a bit and i'd be setting myself up for a future of vet bills, not to mention not much time with her.

Advice? Do you think it's too old? I feel so bad for her too...sitting there with no one wanting her because she's so old...

[EiffelTower]

I don't think that's too old at all... Sounds like she still has alot of love to give and just needs someone to love her back.

I would do it - I wouldn't care that she is 9... My cat is 16 and still going strong. Adopt her!

[Miss.September]

I would. If I went to meet her and felt a connection, then absolutely.

[Joeve]

Yes totally would we took in a stray purebred badly neglected retriever we did only have him for 3 years but wow what a dog! So much love to give and he needed love too took some of our heart when he went but totally worth it!

[*LittleMissSummer*]

Yep i would totally adopt a dog that was that age. Most dogs depending on their health can live past 20 and she would still have so much love to give.

[krysalyss]

Yep definitely. I would always adopt an older dog as I know how hard it is for them to find homes. If she seems like a good dog then I would do it.

[nickle730]

My only concern in adopting an older dog is not knowing their history and therefore previous influences on the dogs behaviour. Do you know Lexie's history? Your kids are a bit older and so probably a good age to adopt an older dog. I wouldn't be concerned about the vet bills, but I would want to be comfortable that the dog has not been mistreated in the past and doesn't exhibit aggressive behaviours.

[Smoke Jaguar]

If she's got no known health issues you can get pet insurance for the dog. You'd be giving her a happy ending, and she'd be giving you some unconditional love

[C~Q]

hmmm, this is all very positive, I might call up today and see if I can meet her. There is also a two year old boxer called dexter i'm looking at....so adorable.

I guess thr right dog will just feel right won't it?

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[Me+him+bub]

we just adopted an 8 year old mini roman nose terrier and she is lovely, she just lays around, doesn't bark, although we have had a lot of health issues and is off to the vet again today for conjunctivitis, yes there are going to be more trips to the vet but nothing beats a golden oldie

[[M]umma[M]ia]

I personally wouldnt as the life span of a ridgeback is usually 10-12 years.

[kelebek]

I would only if you got that pet insurance.
I agree with MM and would check the life expectancy of that breed. I have cattle dogs and they are 10, 11 and 14, they have always been strong and healthy and can live upto they are 15 - 20 but these last 3 years has cost us $1000's in vet bills (probably clost to $5000 but I don't like to think about it too much) and one of them is about to cost another $1000 with ongoing costs for tablets she will need to take for the rest of her life. If they come into any more health problems we are going to have to consider the unthinkable cause we can't afford to keep forking out all this money

[krysalyss]

I guess thr right dog will just feel right won't it?

I would spend as much time with a new dog as possible, especially as you have kids and don't get your heart set on any until you know they are suitable for your family. For your situation I wouldn't recommend a dog that seems timid, anxious, sensitive or really intense (e.g. if they are really protective of a ball). Make sure you check the dog out to see if they are sensitive around different parts of the body (e.g. that they won't bite if their tail gets picked up by a kid, or hate their paws being touched). Ideally I would choose a dog that shows relaxed, calm behaviour in lots of different situations (other dogs, cats, walking on a lead, playing with kids, around food etc.) as I believe that lowers your risk of issues like biting. Another thing to point out which you probably know is that it is really hard to get rentals with dogs now. There are other non-permanent ways of having pets in your life like fostering a pet if you think you may have to move a lot in the future. Good luck! xoxo

[ebn_d]

Definitely. See how you feel when u meet her. You will know I think

[Sopdet]

Yes I would, I have a girlfriend who is involved in animal rehousing for x-working dogs and if I had the space, I'd take one of her dogs in a heartbeat.

[Rosey]

I would most definitely adopt a 9 year old dog.

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

Don't let her age bother you, depending on her diet & general health she could give you 2 to 5 years of unconditional (most probably sleepy) love... but the best thing of all is what you are giving her. A second chance. Which is a wonderful thing. One you will both feel the benefits of.

In regards to possible vet bills, wether you have a puppy or a golden oldie that is always a risk and part of the responsibility. But who cares about money when you get paid back with sloppy kisses lol.

Good Luck

[AngelPants]

Where would you be adopting from? Because most places as well as temperament testing heart a full health check and tell you if there are any health concerns inc ones associated with the breed.

And yes i would definitely do it if she felt right, age doesn't effect the love they have to give.

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[C~Q]

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

I'm torn...I miss having a dog so much, I feel it would be healing for me and the animal. Since moving here last week i've walked the kids too and from school most days and I go to the beach most days...a dog would fit in so perfectly...