Company for elderly dog

[linedancer16]

My Border Collie is 13 and 1/2 and has arthritis badly in her back legs. (taking Rimadyl!). She can only walk a very short distance now and spends most of her time either asleep or pottering in the garden. She is also showing signs of dementia eg standing staring not sure what to do. (taking Vivitoninand Senilife!). Because we cant take her far now (she cant get in the car , wont or cant use the ramp and is too heavy for me to lift) she isn't mixing with other dogs now and I have been considering getting another dog as company for her and longer walks for me! I would only get an older calmer, smaller dog so she wouldnt be pestered all the time but wonder if she would feel pushed out and resent it. Any one had experience of anything similiar? Thanks!

[woofgang]

I probably wouldn't....if she is dementing, there is even less guarantee that she would be happy to share her life and family. Does she seem lonely? Got to say our old dogs have seemed quite happy to snooze and be cuddled and not particularly keen on being social.

[anneasquith]

i would just keep to the one dog , so she can have your full attention.

[alexanderd]

Agree with both the above, bringing a new dog in could really upset yours

[welshlibranr]

I personally would not get another dog at this stage, but if you think that it may help then look here.........www.manytears.co.uk.they are often looking for homes for dogs where there is a resident dog...............

[linedancer16]

Thanks everyone! I will most likely just keep her on her own and, as you say, give her all the attention. I wouldn't want her to be upset or feel pushed out. I have looked at rescue sites (Sally is a rescue dog) and some do say a resident dog would help the new one settle in but perhaps she's too old now for that, bless her. Again thanks for the advice!

[slinkycat]

Hi linedancer, just wanted to wish you and Sally all the best, know what you are going through as my parent's border collie had back leg problems in later life.
Think you are making the right decision, I don't think Penny could have coped with another dog, she just wanted a quiet life.

[jules77]

I bought in a puppy, and a mad one at that, as company for my old boy who was 12 at the time as we had lost his companion. He had numerous ailments, but have to say that she gave him a new lease of life, and he was with us for another 2.5 years. It was hard work at first, as the puppy had to learn to leave him alone when he wanted to sleep, she soon got the message though. He used to look out for her and sleep beside her and at times I dont think he would have been bothered to go outside at times had she not been out there.

[divegirl]

Hi, I don't agree with the leaving her on her own bit....Personally I would go the younger dog route, as Jules has said it can bring a whole new lease of life! Alternatively there are thousands of old dogs in rescue, there is even a national rescue that specialises with the homing of the 'more mature' friend [I can't for the life of me think of the name of it but will find it out if you are interested!].

Lisa x

[divegirl]

This isn't the one that I was thinking of but you can get the idea!

http://www.oldies.org.uk/?page_id=33

Lisa x

[linedancer16]

Morning! Now some of you have got me rethinking! Sally herself was adopted under a scheme for older animals from my local RSPCA whereby you get reduced rates for vet bills , medicines and senior food. I've had her for 3 years. I could look out for a companion from them again or I considered fostering for them as an alternative. I do look on the Oldies site but a lot of them are too far away. Sally hasn't lived with another dog as far as I know but she does enjoy their company. I can see both points of view!

[jules77]

The Cinnamon Trust cares for dogs where their owners can no longer care for them. They also offer a fostering service so they obviously need people to look after the dogs.

http://www.cinnamon.org.uk/

[LoftyLottie]

I have brought in a younger dog when one dog was 10 and it really did bring out the pup in him again. But at 13 + and with arthritis I tend to think that your best bet is to just give her loads of attention and let her stay an 'only dog'.

Don't forget too that smaller dogs often have much more energy than the big ones so a smaller one might not be a good idea at all.


Dogs vary though, much like humans. I had t wo dogs until last year when one passed away through old age. The remaining dog is perfectly happy on her own - in fact she is happier and she is not interested in the least in other dogs. I did try her with a new companion but her nose was put right out of joint and she wasn't happy at all.

I have decided that when my present dog is no longer with us I will go down the route of fostering the 'oldies'. I shall be an oldie myself so that would be ideal - we could potter around together!!

[linedancer16]

Hi! I shall think over all you've told me , perhaps enquire more deeply into fostering on a short term basis, ( I had heard of the Cinnamon Trust but didn't know exactly what they did) and then make an informed decision. Sally was with two little dogs for a while this afternoon and was quite happy but there again they went home after a while and now she's spark out! I'm not going to rush into it and will see how Sally is in the next few weeks. Thanks again everyone!

[lankeela]

The Oldies group have home checkers in all areas (I am one for Norfolk) and can arrange transport if you wanted to give a home to one of their dogs. Also lots of smaller rescues would appreciate a foster home for a dog that needs extra care and attention, so you could try contacting any near you and see if you can help. That might also free up a kennel for another rescue waiting to come in. Either that or go for a retired greyhound, which would not bother the old lady but would be good company.

[tinpotLizzie]

Our old Staffie really loved a life sized soft toy of a GSD that I bought at a car boot sale for him! He was'nt good with other dogs but had many a roll around with his own 'dog'. Our cat kept him company most of the time though kept her distance.
Sometimes a new older companion can give an old dog a new lease of life but only you can be the judge of that. Good luck to you both.