My dilemma is traveling. Once kids are out of the house, I’d like to travel more. But I feel guilty leaving pets for extended periods of time.

After my delightful but rambunctious sled dog passes away, I will not be getting another who can so easily destroy my knees and shoulders with a simple lunge.

So maybe a smaller dog, if my kids are willing and able to take over if I cannot.

A few months ago, I wrote about caring for my sister’s 2 elderly dogs when she went into the hospital. She had a late stage cancer diagnosis and it doesn’t look good for the future. Posters ripped me a new one because I took in the dogs temporarily, but did not want them forever. What do you do with an 12 and 14 year old dog? After 3 months, the dogs have returned to her home, but I feel is a temporary situation. My suggestion is to make solid plans for your animal.

For me (50s) it's not so much whether a dog as how big a dog. My current beast is a 60-lb mutt, and from day to day it's fine. But as he gets older and needs to be lifted or carried, I'll be getting reminders that the next dog needs to be under 30 lbs

Anonymous wrote:I have a 65lb dog. He’s 1 and I’m 53 and a single parent. I’ve got one kid in college and the other just graduated HS. It didn’t even occur to me that I should consider my age when deciding to get my dog.

I’m the 48-year-old poster. Your post about your big pup is nice to read, actually. (I have to note, though, that my dog is 100 lbs bigger.) My dog is my best friend, and the thought of never having another breaks my heart.

Anonymous wrote:We’re 50 this year, have kids in elementary, and just adopted a giant breed puppy. It’s not an issue with good training. The kids aren’t strong enough for walks without harness but that’s the only concern so far. We plan to always have pets and will check with kids if they ever have a concern. My 75 year old mother just adopted kittens. We’d prob not take on a parrot or tortoise at this point, but would foster either if needed.


I like the will provision idea. It’s good to think ahead. You’re both good people.

Adding …I’m so sorry for your loss. Take your time thinking on this. ❤️

We’re 50 this year, have kids in elementary, and just adopted a giant breed puppy. It’s not an issue with good training. The kids aren’t strong enough for walks without harness but that’s the only concern so far. We plan to always have pets and will check with kids if they ever have a concern. My 75 year old mother just adopted kittens. We’d prob not take on a parrot or tortoise at this point, but would foster either if needed.


I like the will provision idea. It’s good to think ahead. You’re both good people.

I have a 65lb dog. He’s 1 and I’m 53 and a single parent. I’ve got one kid in college and the other just graduated HS. It didn’t even occur to me that I should consider my age when deciding to get my dog.

As I get older, I’ll have to have small, gentle dogs.

I'm 41 and my husband is 48. We got 2 cats two years ago and they could live 20 years! I know some other people could be totally happy with cats for a longer time, and I would never say never, but we are really planning for these to be our last cats.

My aunt and uncle are around 65 and have two dogs and I think it's perfectly fine! I think the dogs are happy. It just depends what you want, I think.

I’m a 48-year-old solo dog owner of a giant breed that I adore.

Sure, I think about it. Hopefully, my current dog wouldn’t be my last, but I would not want a different breed of dog. I’d have to consider if I’d be able to manage owning a giant breed in my 50s.

If you’re open to it that might be the perfect opportunity to get an adult rescue. Not necessarily a senior dog, but maybe 5yrs old or so?

If you don't get a dog until 53-55 and the breed has a 13 year lifespan, 66-68 is hardly the brink of life and unless something happens you would still have plenty of energy. You could still go another 20, 25+ years.

I am your age and plan to never be dog-less. I've got provisions in my will for their care, including money set aside. It sounds like you are wonderful and loving people so any dog would be lucky to have you, even if it's not for the full extent of their life. Just make plans for who would step in for you if something were to happen, and set aside some money if you can.

My parents are in their early 70s and have two dogs, about 6 and 10 years old, probably 10-12 year life expectancy. My brother and I are both settled so it’s a little different, but my parents did write the dogs into their will along with $10k for whoever takes them (didn’t specify who can take them though).

For me it’s a no brainer that I take them money or not and my parents know that. But it’s definitely something they thought through and planned for.

They have always had two dogs for the past 20 years or so but I’m guessing after one crosses the rainbow bridge they may be a single dog family. These last two gave them a run for their (figurative AND literal) money! Or they may foster for the breed rescue group so they always have a dog but not necessarily permanently.

We are pondering this question after the last of our beloved dogs left us last week. We had 15 wonderful years with both of our dogs and for various reasons we have agreed to wait at least 3-5 years before we think of getting another one. We will be around 53-55 at that time and the breed has a 13 year lifespan.
We are older parents so we will also be in the thick of school and college during that time. I am wondering if it’s fair to the dog when we are getting long in the tooth ourselves, but I also cannot think of an entirely dog-less future. Has anyone else faced these thoughts?