charlykilo Loc: Garden Valley Ca

I am mid 70s and was watching my 15 yo pup move.
We both are running down hill. Him faster than I. I am sure a lot of you been there and done it.
When the time comes are you/ did you go out to find another?
Would it be a pup or older? Who would take care when/if you you could no longer? I am sure that there are other consideration's.
What influenced your decisions?
Just brain picking.
Thanks Cal

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

My wife and I are looking for one between 3 and 5 years old. Just out of the chewing up everything age. We have also in the past fostered for rescue groups and ended up adopting a few. That's another option. Good luck Cal.

Scudrnr Loc: Hancock, Wisconsin

My wife and I are mid-70's. We just adopted a two year old last March. I figure at least one of us will out live the pouch and if not, our daughter or one of the grandkids will take him.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

My Max been gone since 2009 and just did not have the heart to replace him. And now in a much smaller place so a blessing because I believe a dog needs to get out and run. Having them chained or roped to a tree just doesn't sit well with me.

Namvet69 Loc: Ohio

Never been a small dog type of guy. Always had GS or rabbit beagles. 2004 wife wanted to buy small Yorky. Ok. Female and about 4# when she’d grown. Had her 14 yrs before she finally died. Never considered another. Liked other pups our kids and their family had. Could never replace her. Once in a lifetime baby. Passed in 2018. Still miss her.

mudriverjo Loc: Scott’s Ferry, FL

Rescue an older dog from a good reputable place. The Bullpen Way station & Sanctuary rehabs, rescues, and saves bigger dogs from Euthanasia. I have successfully adopted from them and would do it again in a second. Dogs are trained and ready to adopt. If there are medical needs, they provide all medications at no extra fee. You’ve never been loved more than by a dog who has found its forever home and loving owner.
https://www.facebook.com/BullpenRescue?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Retrieverman390

I just turned 77 this month. I lost my dog of a lifetime a 151/2 yo fox red Labrador on 2/6/23. I was undecided about getting another dog. I started having severe knee pain at New Years. I was mis-diagnosed kin regard to eligibility for a knee replacement.mi hobbled around until two weeks ago when I finally had the replacement. Went on my annual week long fishing trip tomzmaknebin June. Wirst trip i ever had. It rained 6 straight days. We came home a daybesrly. I went to visit my daughter and her family on Sunday. My grand kids ran out into thrvdrivewayntomsay, “Pop Pop we have a surprise for you”. I opened thr door anfpd my family surprised me with ac16/%week,old Labradoodlenpuppy.,it was a good choice. Should it survive me ( very likely) it would be welcome in my daughter’s home. My choice would have been another Labrador but he or she may have been a bit much for npme at my age. I live in a townhouse community and must walk the dog on a leash. The new guy is a real sweetheart . If I didn’t have a back up in case I couldn’t care for him any longer I wouldn’t have agreed to another dog. There are too many dogs that need rescuing for me T add to the list. So far so good. Knee doing well. Drove for the first time today.mwalking with no cane ok walker. Should have no trouble getting in and out of my boat next year if all goes well. Good luck with your decision on wether or not go get a new pup.

mistred64 Loc: Grayslake, illinois

I never wanted a dog. My kids gave me the puppy dog eyes so we rescued Willy. Great dog and I fell in love with him. Unfortunately he got cancer at the age of 10 and had to put him down. We never got another dog.

Bcmech1 Loc: Clinton Wisconsin

Cal, my sister and three stepchildren have already (I'm only 63) told me not to worry about any dogs I may have when I pass. They would gladly take care of them, mostly because they were mine I believe, and not let the dogs go to the pound. I've included a picture of a plaque my vet has on the wall of her office, hope you like it.

Big dog Loc: Bayshore, Long Island, New York

I’m 65, my dog is 13. I’ve had golden retrievers since 1964. And yes I ponder the same question.
I have to continue to believe, that my dogs don’t want me to be alone.
With that said, I don’t want to pass away and leave my dog behind. This is a very hard decision. Do you have family that could/ would take in the dog?

TJA57 Loc: chino, CA

Hi Cal.
I won't try to tell you what you should do, there are a lot that need to be considered before making a decision like that, and all I know about you is what I read from your posts here on the stage.

But, for me.

I'm 66years old and my wife is 63. We have been dog lovers (specially Golden Retriever lovers) since we got married 43 years ago. We have had 7 Goldens since we got married and with the loss of each one came a great deal of pain. Our goldens ranged everywhere from a loyal hunting dog that went everywhere with me and her mission in life was to please to, lazy couch potatoes that just wanted to lay around and watch tv. We have had dogs even before we had kids and frankly, the training techniques we learned for the dogs, helped us raise our kids into the beautiful adults they are now. All of our dogs were lovers and there love was unconditional. We trained our dogs with love and consistency, always insisting they follow through with every command, never needing to use physical punishment but always responding love and praise. The golden we have now is 12 years old and we have agreed that when she passes we will get another. Our oldest golden lived to the age of 15 when she passed, and that is old for a golden. We figure, since there are two of us still around in reasonable ok shape we probably have at least 1 Golden Retriever life span left in at least one of us. If something were to happen to both of us and we were unable to care for the dog one of our two daughter would care for her.
Neither my of myself can see our selves living our final years without the love and companionship of a Golden Retriever.
That's just us, maybe it's different for others.

mistred64 Loc: Grayslake, illinois

This can bring a tear to your eye,

Bcmech1 Loc: Clinton Wisconsin

It sure does Ed

hunter4626 Loc: tally, florida

Hey guy, I'm 68, and my wife and I just picked another golden retreiver puppy, we will pick him up on sept. 17. I also wondered if I am doing the right thing, we have had 3 previous goldens and I just could not go on without one at my side,on my lap,in my truck. They are the spark that makes every day a joy. The only thing I would say is to have someone to pick him/her up if something happens to you.This person should have some frequent contact with your companion.I have my son and grandson in case something happens to me or my wife. Good luck to you!!

E.pa.al Loc: Martin's Creek

I'm with you Ed,when our Willie passed I said no more. Wife & daughter came home w a great rescue Kangel Sheppard. She's a great dog but she eats everything 😬