50 Somethings of Doodle Kisses

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Comment by Bev and WILLY on January 21, 2013 at 11:37am

My husband and I are in our mid 70's. Besides Willy, our 65 # Goldendoodle, we have a 10 # Shih Tzu. We are just leaving for the airport to pick up our 9 week old standard poodle. I just figured, if not now? When?
It will be a busy, crazy adventure, I know. But what joy we'll get in return. I say, "go for it" if you're up to a new adventure.

Comment by Carol and Banjo on January 21, 2013 at 10:12am

Hi Judy,  I totally agree with what Ricki and Karen have said here.  My husband is 64 and I'll be 60 this fall.  We were just talking this weekend about what we might do in the event of Banjo's death.   We most surely will want to get another dog...but at that point (hopefully 12-15 years from now) we don't feel we'd be "up to" doing the puppy thing again.   We're both very active and expect and hope to be as active down the road....but that first year is a challenge we probably will not want.    I think we've decided we'd go for an older (at least 4-6 months-but more probably a year to two old) rescue.      We also will get a smaller dog.    Banjo (according to our breeder) was supposed to be 30-35 lbs., he's actually 52lbs.   We can lift him now....although it isn't often necessary....but down the road...when Banjo's older and may need assistance getting into the car for example, it may be more difficult at least for me.        Just things to keep in mind.    Best wishes to you.

Comment by Ricki and Tara (doodle) on January 21, 2013 at 9:54am

Judy, my neighbors are 70 and retired and they adopted a dachshund puppy last year. Small dog, low exercise requirements but they were completely unprepared and overwhelmed by the "puppy experience". I don't know how many times they threatened to rehome her that first year.  They didn't have the energy or take the time to properly train or socialize her consequently she doesn't know even basic commands and she is people aggressive. It takes a huge amount of time, energy and commitment especially that first year to end up with a great companion and canine citizen.I agree with everything that Karen has pointed out and suggested.

I was in my late 50's and DH in his 60's when we adopted Tara as a puppy. She is a mini and was under 5 pounds when we brought her home but holy cow! She was like a whirling dervish! I had read all the books and watched all the videos to prepare myself for a puppy but OMD the reality was quite different!

Comment by Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle on January 21, 2013 at 9:07am

Judy, it depends how much energy you have, lol. I would think long and hard before getting a puppy. You might consider adopting an adult doodle. For one thing, with a puppy, size is completely unpredictable. There are dozens of people here who were told their puppy would be about 50 lbs who ended up with dogs weighing 70 or 80 lbs or even more. With an adult dog, there are no surprises with size.

Another consideration would be exercise. These are sporting breed dogs, and they require a LOT of exercise. They need to run. A leash walk or two each day will not cut it, especially when they are young. And even with a fenced yard, a dog alone in a yard will not usually run around and exercise by himself. A doodle who isn't getting enough exercise can be very rambunctious and destructive in the house, especially under the age of 3 or 4.

You have to ask yourself if you want to deal with puppy chewing, housebreaking, training, etc.I didn't which is why I adopted an adult dog.

Comment by Judy on January 21, 2013 at 8:58am

wow we are both almost 70 and considering a Med. Sized Labradoodle, 

are we crazy?

Comment by Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie on August 21, 2012 at 6:21pm

Loved these.

Comment by Ricki and Tara (doodle) on August 21, 2012 at 3:57pm

It must be getting late in the work day. It appears she can no longer form a complete sentence. Poor dear....we're here for ya Lisa!!!

Comment by Lisa, Daisy & Dexter on August 21, 2012 at 2:16pm

blah blah blah

Comment by Laurie, Fudge, and Vern on August 21, 2012 at 1:22pm

LOL...she keeps forgetting she is still at work. If only we had some way to contact her boss so he could remind her where she is :)

Comment by Ricki and Tara (doodle) on August 21, 2012 at 12:50pm

LOL! I think he is a relative of mine! :)

Thanks, Laurie, I guess that proves that what she is saying just can't be true! :(

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