The Dog
Or the prospect of aging.
I had a conversation with my Psychiatrist about my recent realizations. The prospect of getting a dog came up again. After the fiasco back in January where we had to give the dog back to its rescuers, both Jon and I are a little traumatized. Potty training a one year old dog that was used to going inside the house became a nightmare after a long month of frozen outdoors and cleaning up messes. And yet, I keep seeing these sweet 4 month old puppies I imagine adopting. So here’s the epiphany: I can’t get a dog young enough that it’s going to outlive me. And the 10-12yr lifespan of a typical medium sized dog is longer than what I likely have left. Yikes. My Doctor agreed, it’s unsettling when you realize that. But also realistic. Plus the whole issue of housebreaking a puppy is off the table. We just can’t go there again. So either get an older dog or none at all.
BUT if they were just an old dog whose person just couldn't keep them any longer and they just needed a good home that would be nice for you and them! I'm down to 2 cats which I refer to as my 'forever cats' since they are 7 and I am 70. I periodically think about getting another dog and have many thought processes about it so I totally get where you're coming from!!!
I know what you mean about not wanting to have your pet out live you. But getting an older dog could also get very expensive if they have issues. These days Vets sure ain't cheap!!