50 something with a new doodle

[Mimi Linna, Lilly and Lolly]

Hi all!!

I am 58 1/2 :) and we just got a F1B goldendoodle puppy, Lilly. Was wondering how many over 50 got new puppies and how it changed your life. Right now the change is less sleep and puppy teeth marks.

[Lauria Orr]

Jenn,

 

I can imagine his "work" is exhausting.  I worked as an Oncology RN most of my career. There have been so many advances in medicine and that has been very inspiring.  The patients also have been amazing.  Then one of my friends from church developed a brain tumor.  Alan and I took Melody over to see him, his wife and their 3 young children.  We did not bring Melody with the thought of her being a therapy dog, but a visitor.  Melody is very shy and does not warm to people for awhile. She climbed right into our friend's lap without hesitation.  She had not done that before, nor has she done that since. Our friend just enjoyed petting Melody and I think she gave him comfort.  It was like she just knew. I think they are little angels.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Mimi, I wrote this discussion about getting Fudge when I was a wee bit older. It was life changing :)

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/puppy-fever

[Rebekah & Dave]

We got our first doodle (actually first dog) in our early/mid 50's and haven't looked back. In fact, we added to our family a year later and now have 2 doods - almost 4 and almost 3. They go everywhere possible with us and keep us active and young at heart! Love them to pieces even though the first couple of months were rough. Now they are (mostly) well behaved and great companions!

[Tammy (Tanner & Molly) Houck]

I am 53 and got Tanner 2 1/2 years ago.  He never woke me before 6, he never chewed on things he wasn't supposed to - he was a wonderful puppy.  He was immediately the love of my life - except that as soon as my husband came home each night, I didn't exist!!  He had never had a dog he was close to, so I thought this was wonderful for him.  We decided to adopt again, and about 5 weeks ago we got Molly.  Molly gets up twice a night, chews on the table leg when I'm not looking, runs off with my sons socks .....  Love her to death, but I could really use a good nights sleep!

[Liana & Jindi]

Hi All, I don't think you can ever be to old to have a puppy. I personally think a puppy keeps you young. It was nearly 12 years since we had a puppy & when we got him home wondered what we had got ourselves into. Honestly, from day one he has been a really good dog. We put him in his crate with his cuddle toy with a heartbeat in it & only cried to go out to the toilet.  My Mum is is in her 70's & helped me a lot when I first got Jindi. While I was at work, Mum took him out for toilet breaks & played with him. He certainly has put a bounce & sunshine into our lives & they keep you more active.

[Gail Vinnal]

I'm 57 and picking up my puppy April 1, sleep deprivation is my big fear

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Gail, your new baby is adorable! My advice is to get all the sleep you can between now and April 1st! LOL! Just kidding. The first few weeks maybe but it goes by fast and all the joy and fun you will experience during the day will  help rejuvenate you!

[Mimi Linna, Lilly and Lolly]

Gail, Lilly was the biggest baby and there was loss of sleep those first few wks and I thought I had loss my ever lovin' mind..but then it got better and at almost 9 months she is a joy. hugs, can't wait to hear about your adventures.

[Jean, Rylee and Cooper]

Congrats, Gail.  The first few months fly by and then you can sleep thru the night.  I have two doodles and they are such a joy.  So much company too!!  Good luck.

[Cathy w/Shiloh~Cody]

My puppy improved my health. I am 52, with high blood pressure, diabetes and overweight. I never exercised-made excuses, its too hot, I am too tired, my feet hurt etc. I would not get up off my butt and get motivated to do exercise for me. I got Shiloh and started walking FOR HIM-twice daily, 30 minutes every morning and again at night. I also got more limber by bending over all the time- pulling toys out from under furniture or checking to see what was in his mouth. (LOL)

Shiloh makes me laugh a lot and feel younger. I have lost 25lbs and my blood pressure and diabetics numbers have gone way down. My doctor told me whatever you are doing- keep it up. He is now a year and half but still acts like a goofy puppy.He is the best medicine anyone could have..

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Cathy, that is fabulous!! WTG  It sounds like Shiloh is just what you needed! :)

[Lanell in Colorado]

My husband and I are in our sixties ...and doodle-parent wannabe's.  We have been wanting to get a dog for quite a while and have been doing a lot of research of breeds.  We finally settled on doodles and have given a lot of thought about the commitment required to adopt an animal ...and the changes, both good and bad, it would mean to our lifestyle.  We have a big issue right now because both of us are still working and will need to continue as long as we can.   Is having one dog fair to the dog? an.....are we able to propertly care for two dogs?  Some folks have said that two dogs are actually easier because they support  themselves.

It seems we coming to a choice of 'two dogs' or 'no dog' ... frankly,its  a heart breaking choice.  We want to give our new family member the care it needs and deserves and at the same time, we want to be age-appropriate regarding our abilities and recognized changes that may come to our lifestyle.   One dog means work, but two dogs might be too much.  With our working, we thinking one dog home alone might not be fair to the dog.....and two dogs might be too much for us.  Comments?

AND, doodles are incredibly expensive.  Is this a fad (regarding pricing) that will go away.  $4000 for two dogs is incredible.  Reminds me of the tulip mania in holland.(that I read about -- I'm not that old LOL )   I'm leary about a rescue dog because of the potential risk to the grandchildren and I've signed up for re-home but no luck...