My last border collie died of cancer over a week

[leftyladyfrommo]

ago and I am lost. This is the first time in 50 years that I haven't had a dog. I have always had border collies.

I am going crazy without a dog. The house is just empty.

Senior dogs for seniors sounds promising. I don't want my dog to outlive me. And I live on SSI so I can't afford these awful veterinary increases.

Any ideas?

[elleng]

1. :hug:

[cheri010353]

2. Maybe

Maybe you could foster pups for a shelter or rescue.

[jpak]

3. Is there a local shelter that needs volunteers?

You might be able to be a walker.

Dunno

[Biophilic]

4. My friends have been fostering senior dogs.

The work with the local humane society. The humane society here covers the vet bills and also food. My friends buy their own food because they like to feed a better quality food than is available from the HS.
They started doing this after they lost their long time companion. They’ve had 3 great foster dogs over the last 3 years.

[XanaDUer2]

5. I'm sorry

All I can think of is fostering. Best

[cilla4progress]

6. I feel you!

Sending love.

[Lulu KC]

7. I am so sorry for your loss

Yes, I'd recommend the senior dogs for seniors. I don't know what the veterinary needs are if there are health issues, but I find the whole idea very appealing. Where we live there is a nonprofit that specifically does that, but I know there are different organizations. If there is a particular breed you like, I've seen them pop up on rescue sites.

Best wishes to you! I totally get it! I think I have a chemical need for a dog to increase my oxytocin so I can survive current events and other life challenges. A dog is so much more than a dog. No coincidence the DOG/GOD spelling thing, in my book.

Something I learned the hard way: Do NOT tell a dog friend of yours that you are looking for a dog whose owner either died or had to go to assisted living without including the word OLD about both the dog and the owner. I made that mistake and ended up with an 13-month old bundle of energy, whose owner was 19. She had a brain tumor (and is doing great) and had to go to a rehab center to relearn just about everything. She had four dogs, all of whom had to find homes. I was recovering from back surgery when I negotiated this via text and the pain pills dulled my apparent common sense. However, happy to report that this puppy is now almost two and is turning into a wonderful companion. It was iffy there for a while.

[leftyladyfrommo]

11. I am looking. I need a smaller really friendly

dog. I have a couple of friends helping.

I thought about an older dog but it would have to have veterinary costs paid.

Thank you for the tips.

[LoisB]

8. I am so sorry.

[birdographer]

9. I am so sorry

You are living my greatest fear. We have three dogs and it is my fervent hope that we outlive them all. We have no friends or family whatsoever to take care of them if we go. Should we outlive them, I will not have a dog-less house. And you shouldn't. There are good suggestions here. Senior dogs for seniors sounds like it could work. I feel certain that there are DU-ers who would be happy to help with costs, I know I would. Don't live without a dog.

[gay texan]

10. Well, i may have something for you

I've been around BC's and Aussies all of my life, i know what you are feeling.

One of the Aussie rescue groups i belong to in North Texas just made a major rescue from a puppy mill. 40 adult dogs and 20 puppies, all Aussies.

I'd be willing to bet there is a senior dog in there that would love to have it's forever home with you.

You can PM me and i can get you in touch with them.

[leftyladyfrommo]

12. Thank you but Texas is too far.

I thought about another border collie but they are so active and I'm 75. It wouldn't be fair to the dog. I do have a big back yard.

[Maraya1969]

13. I adopted 2 senior dogs. It was really rewarding to know I could let them live their twilight years with me

and a comfortable bed.

[slightlv]

14. I was looking for a senior type dog when I lost my Leonburgher and my border collie

within 2 years of each other. There were puppies everywhere... but no senior dogs while I was looking, which I thought was really strange. We finally adopted a 1 year old. She's a large dog and a handful. She also weighs more than I do! It's taken 3 years for her to settle down some, but I sure wish I'd have heard about "senior dogs for seniors"... that would have been just what I was looking for. As it is, Lexy finally found a home that wouldn't send her back to the pound after two weeks.

We are overrun here with dogs and cats, everyone who can is fostering to try to help out. I'm a horrible foster-fail, but if you think you can do it, it might fit the situation for you... Good luck! I know what that empty feeling is like. My condolences on your loss.