A Retirement Home for Dogs - How do we feel about this?

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

http://thebarkpost.com/worlds-first-luxury-dog-retirement-home-open...

I'm really not sure how I feel about this. It's interesting though and maybe a good solution for those who are no longer able to care for their dogs but I don't like the idea of people abandoning their dogs in their old age, even if they are making sure they are well cared for.  I like the idea of a law that requires pet parents to care for their dogs for life. That seems like a great idea to me.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I think most dogs would prefer to remain at home no matter what. The law about lifetime care seems likely to lead to abuse. How can you make someone lovingly care for an animal they no longer want? Of course, if the owners have the means, you could make them pay for alternative care.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

These are good points F. I didn't think of it in that way.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Unfortunately, there is a need for this type of thing. As it says in the article, "thousands of elderly dogs in the United States end up in shelters when they become either too expensive or too labor-intensive to care for, or when their owners move or pass away. Organizations like Susie’s Senior Dogs and The Grey Muzzle are trying to mitigate this problem by matching these elderly pooches with new owners or providing funding for their medical care, but it’s no surprise that many families looking to adopt want a younger dog."

The retirement home sure beats being euthanized in a kill shelter. But I'm not sure most elderly dogs wouldn't rather their owners just euthanize them than abandon them, no matter how luxurious the facility. 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I agree Karen. The shock and confusion of a new setting and the separation from family at that age would be cruel at best.  I don't think a dog gives a darn about luxury. That's just to help ease the owner's conscience as they abandon their pet...don't get me started..:(

[Camilla and Darwin]

I agree.

[Pam Thomas]

I think it would be a great thing to do when I retire.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I think this is an interesting idea for when there is a real need but weigh that against making it "acceptable" to dump your elderly dog for your convenience. I'm not sure how you get one without the other.

I like the idea of a law for pet parents but only if coupled with stricter penalties for abusers and bad breeders.  Even if it's hard to enforce, it says something that we publicly recognize that animals, just like children, come with a lifetime responsibility for care and respect.   I saw a segment on Animal Planet where a young woman only adopts senior dogs -- she has 2 to 3 at a time in her home, and I thought that was a beautiful and loving thing to do but I don't think it  completely heals the pain or confusion.

No matter how many swimming pools or meadows you give them, I think most elderly dogs would prefer to live out their lives in their own home with their person(s) or cross the rainbow bridge. Being abandoned is just too cruel at any age but especially for senior dogs.  But the problem is real and a good topic for discussion.

[Lynda Kamrath]

Finding a new home for an elderly dog is difficult at best. I happen to love old dogs, but mine never seem to live long enough be become elderly. We are lucky to have a Canine FItness Center in our community, and we had a swim party there today for Harpo (his fourth birthday). The dogs love to go there for a swim in the pool. It is sad that many people just cannot care for their dogs anymore and need this type of facility. I guess if we do it with our elderly family members, why not our pets?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

As luck would have it, just this afternoon, a couple in their 60s joined the DRC website looking to find a new home for their 10 yr old large male labradoodle. No specific issues given about either the couple or the dog, just that the dog has been well cared for and is in good health, but it is getting difficult to care for him because they "are aging".

You want to say, "He's aging too. Put yourself in his place" but of course you can't. 

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

this is a sad situation for the 60 yr olds who are in that poor a shape to not be able to take care of a 10 yr old dog and even sadder to be rehoming him. All of us are "aging" every day, but giving up my dog would be only if i could no longer provide a healthy happy enviorment for him/her. But who am I to judge, I don;t know their situation. Just makes me sad.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Me too, Sue. I keep telling myself that there must be more to it than what was initially stated.  

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

There usually is, isn't there? ;(