Ageism in Pet Adoption

Yes your ageism in your unwillingness to adopt an older pet is deplorable.

I just lost an older pet, R1, in January. He was a treasure. Thanks for the reminder.

Maybe older adopters die too soon, and poor furries become homeless again.

How old are you OP? Shelter staff know too well what happens to pets when their owners are not longer able to care for them or die without having made arrangements for their pets to be cared for. It's not ageism, it's reality. The puppy you want today may end up back at the shelter at 10 or 12 years old. It's not fair to anyone. Adopt an older dog.

on your next application mention that you have so and so who will take the dog should something happen to you and that you will provide for such in your will.

we didn't discriminate based on age but we did have honest discussions about adopting a puppy after the age of 65- 70 if the person lived alone. I also did similar when a very young person adopted - their parent etc was basically a cosigner.

Very sorry to hear about the loss of your pet OP. When I lost my dog a few years ago, I had a hard time coping with it, and I haven't been able to adopt ever since. People really underestimate the bonds between animals and humans. I hope you're doing alright, all things considered.

I have heard of this as well. The reason, most of the time, is because of concerns that have to do with an older adopter's longevity. Everyone wants a puppy, particularly right now with so much loneliness and isolation, so there's not much an adopter can do to speed up the process. Maybe if you tell the kennel that it's a gift for your nephew, you'll have a better chance.

On a personal note, consider adopting an older dog. They're much more well behaved (a lot of the time they're already trained by previous owners) and can be terribly grateful for being given a second chance. However, I understand if you don't want to go to the trouble of bonding with a dog who may die shortly.

I hope everything works out for you soon!

My husband was just talking to the guy across the street about this.

This is why I like Data Lounge!

I’m on the board of a shelter. That’s not true in my experience. Now, if you’re elderly, we will talk to you about who would take the animal should something happen to you, and then we will call that person to verify. (So if that’s the case with you, I suggest you make that clear early in the discussion...acknowledge that you understand they may be concerned about your age but you have a plan and are happy to share it.)

However, if you are at an age where life expectancy is an issue, you should expect to be steered toward appropriate options. Why would you want to get a dog who might outlive you, especially when an older dog would be a better match?

So to the extent some shelters discriminate, I think it’s more about finding the best match. If we have a young and energetic dog, our goal will be to find a home able to support an active lifestyle and not someone who is going to keel over and break a hip the first time the dog sees a squirrel while on leash...which will probably mean the dog will be returned.

Our responsibility is to the animal above all else.

How about a foster dog while waiting to get a puppy? The poor animals at the shelters haven't been able to have any visitors or socialize with anyone but shelter staff since March.

My niece took two cats from the shelter as fosters, and the shelter is paying for their food any any vet care they may need. She may or may not keep them, she is in grad school and was planning to travel extensively when she finishes, so who knows what the future holds. In the meantime, two cats are being socialized for adoption and she has company during quarantine.

Tell them that you're a pet lover, rich, with no living relitives, and hate people, and you're leaving their shelter your estate. You'll get whatever you want. Throw in a bit of fragility and forgetfulness for good measure.

To add — the older dogs in shelters can languish and they are almost always the sweetest and have usually been left behind because of either death or financial/living circumstances or because the owner was an asshole.

(We had an elderly dog surrendered because the owners got a puppy who didn’t like the older dog so they gave up the dog they’d had more than a decade and he was inconsolable and died months later from cancer...but surrounded by the love of our staff.)

If you adopt an older dog, you will get so much joy and love I can’t tell you.

It is really hard to adopt a pet right now. I am not old but it took me a month of continual applying before I got one-- I even made a thread about it. The reasons are: there is high demand, the small breeds get scooped up by breed-specific groups, and rescue groups use word of mouth to place dogs with people known to them.

Until you've been applying daily for a month or more, I don't think you should give up.

Just tell them youre 30, just like you tell Grindr

I'm 59, no health problems, very active and can easily care for and train a puppy or a young dog. I understand the reservations people have about this, and I'd even made provisions in my will for my recently deceased friend, should I have gone first. That didn't seem to matter.

It's demoralizing when even a breeder won't get back to you. I realized it had to be about my age since I'm well qualified. It was kind of a shock, honestly. I've always had dogs and cats, old and young, and had no problems adopting in the past.

I'm considering adopting an older dog and just shot back here to thank R1 for the kick in the ass. The rest of you have been a lot kinder about it, but I get the message. Thanks.

How about just eating dogs

R11 Ugh that story is so sad! How can people be so cruel?! I truly hope that there is some sort of hell for people like this!!

what State do you live in OP?

Frankly, given that you OP are only almost 60 and physically fit - you easily have more than a decade. How about not adopting a puppy but a young dog about 1 to 4 years old? Doesn't that make sense? Even a five year old dog is fine. If you were in your 70's I would say, sure adopt an older dog. But lots of young dogs lose their owners or get abandoned.

What r12 said. The demand for pets has been at an all time high during covid, and also vets were closed for a while. It's been a difficult time to try to adopt.

I only ever adopted a dog once. She was a roughly seven year old German Shepherd saved from a puppy mill. She lived for three more years, but I made sure she had a great life. She loved belly rubs and being a lazy couch potato, she also loved having the entire house and our huge yard to walk around. Take a look at the older dogs op, they can be great companions, and oftentimes are the ones that need love the most. And there are also dogs way older than the dog I had that I'm sure would love to have a home.

Sue em! You need a good attorney??

LOL - I thought this thread was going to be about people not being willing to adopt older animals.

Setting aside the numerous threads on the unhinged pet hoarders who run pet adoption centers, animal shelters, and rescues, it makes perfect sense that they would consider whether an older person should adopt a young pet - especially a puppy.

Younger animals are more active and require a more interaction for a healthy life. An older person may be less likely to provide the necessary physical stimulation.

Younger animals live longer. A lot of pets end up in shelters because their owners have died. Pets can live up to 10-18 years in some cases. If you're 65 years old, your odds of outliving your pet are much lower statistically.

R16, yes, there is! When you’re involved with a shelter you see the worst of humanity...but also the best.

OP, 59 is not old. I don’t know whether you present as fit and active but, yes, that can make a difference when looking to place young dogs, where the best match may be young people able to take them on long hikes.

I would focus on one shelter and go in and talk to the staff so they get to know you and what you can offer an animal.

And avoid breeders!

You tried your best, OP, but there comes a time when you just go to the pet shop and ask, How much is that doggy in the window?"

Pet shop dwellers need homes, too.

Pet Shelter staff are psychotic.

pets have 'unplanned' pregnancies, owners unable to keep them all, so some of the litter get put up for adoption/sale on sites like craigslist, worth a try

59 and in good health, seems reasonable to think you might live 20 years which should cover any dog's life.

But adoption may not be your best option. Watch a dog show, research some breeds and reputable breeders, see if there might be a good fit.

So sorry about the loss of your dog, OP. Relax and let her/his sweet spirit guide you to your next companion animal.

The popular Petfinder site lists some shady rescue groups, one asking as much as a $2,000 "fee" for dogs rescued from Asia. Separately, there is a woman who buys dogs at auction and "rehomes" the "rescues" at $1,200 each. The latter was exposed on a local news broadcast.

As I wrote upthread, go to the pet shop, OP, and get the dog of your choice. My little guy was a pet shop buy who enjoyed perfect health until his death last year, two months short of his 16th birthday. There are no guarantees either way in our and our pets' limited lives, but what I have seen of the rescue industry is not worth the aggrevation.

I know the owners of a couple of rescue centres well. They wish they could adopt older dogs out to older people, but most seem to be of the mindset “puppy or nothing”. They gently try to steer older, or frailer, potential adopters towards older (not necessarily decrepit) and more sedentary animals, but that is a hard sell to the 80 year old mobility scooter user who has their heart set on a cute little husky pup. They usually say “no” in these situations, simply because of the number of times they have had to take in a young dog from an older owner who was unable to cope.

That said, unless the potential adopter was clearly frail, the “are you sure this is the right dog?” conversation wouldn’t happen unless they were in their 70s. I think that in your case, OP, they are being unreasonable. You are a middle aged, experienced dog owner. My friends would probably bite your hand off.

I adopted a 9 year old Bengal cat (because I love the breed, but refuse to pay the price), and he was the best damn cat I've ever had in my whole life for 5 years, until he succumbed to lymphoma. I also adopted a younger cat (maybe 1 or 2 years old) at the same time (the lady brought both cats because I didn't know which one i wanted) and I took both of them, because they were inseparable. The "younger" cat is now 14.5 years old and is such a lovebug. He follows and guards me where ever I go.

Botox??

The idea of applying for a cat is absurd. People give away free kittens everywhere.

[quote] My niece took two cats from the shelter as fosters, and the shelter is paying for their food any any vet care they may need.

What? You can have a pet and THEY pay for everything? I'm assuming there's some catch to this. Why would anyone bother adopting or buying a pet if you can just do this. Do they only allow you to foster for a few days or something?

No, R33, they assume that after a reasonable period a decent adult will simply adopt the pet.

Most people aren't looking for a never-ending hand out.

that's what I plan to do when my big guy is gone. just endlessly foster. and not foster fail again.

I could see this at a rescue organization. But shelters/humane societies are usually an immediate adoption. If the dog is there, they will let you take it.

How many dogs live to be 20? My last dog lived to be 16 which was older than most of my friends my dogs.

In what world is 59 too old to adopt a puppy?

Sorry for your loss OP. Hope you can find a suitable dog.

I've told this story here before. I was volunteering for a rescue after losing "one of the great ones" to multiple myeloma. He was ten when he died and I had a lot of experience with old dogs and dogs needing prescriptions, so I offered to foster the old ones when they came in.

I was fostering a tiny, 8 year-old Shih-tzu who'd been living on the streets with a broken bone when the rescue ran a Seniors for Seniors special, like $50 or $75 or something for a senior to adopt a dog 8 or over. After her fracture healed, she was ready to go.

My little charge and I went to the adoption events confident and highly optimistic that the old people would be crazy for her. There were always people interested in her and the rescue would let me know to be sure to bring her this weekend or that weekend because there were people interested in her.

An older woman came and walked her around, and she pranced around like a showdog. She even jogged a little bit and my girl kept up. I thought "Here's the one!" Well, the lady said, "I think I'm going to have to pass. I just don't know about an eight year old dog." Another old couple came through, and the husband said "Eight's just too old; we don't know what we're getting into." One old guy who I don't think was there for the senior deal but was just looking, huffed and walked away when he heard she was eight. Of course regular families weren't interested in a dog that age, so I won't even go into that. My point was just to emphasize that the people who should have liked her best and would be getting a bargain were ageist themselves.

And now for my favorite part of the story. I adopted her after that, nine years ago. She takes a lot of naps, her night vision isn't great, she's on heart medicine and likes a dish of ice cream at bedtime, but she's alive and I often look at her and wonder, "How many of those old people who rejected her did she outlive?"

I'll tell what I've heard about adopting an older dog. You're getting them at the age when the vet bills start pilling up. I can sort of understand that attitude.

Reality check for r29 — 59 is not middle aged. It’s not elderly, but the middle aged ship sailed 20 years ago.

Well it's not elderly too r40, so if you're going to do a reality check, you need to give a proper alternative.

R40, hush. I’m still holding on to the shreds of my youth.

This is bullshit - some people have taken over aspects of the pet adoption and applied fascist levels of purity.

There is more care and attention applied to animals than there is toward children.

If you're over 40 you can file an age discrimination suit. Some states have lower age limit.

Ask for a specific reason why you are being denied.

It's BS that people agree you're too old. If you were too black or too gay, you'd all be throwing a bitch fit, even though it may also be true.

also, your friend could be talking assumptions out of his ass.

[quote]59 is not middle aged. It’s not elderly, but the middle aged ship sailed 20 years ago.

So 39 isn't even middle age?? You sound nuts.

Middle age is the stage before elderly or "senior." Outside of delusional gay male circles, "senior" starts at 65. 59 is late middle age but it is not by any means "elderly."

R46, 39 is exactly middle age for a man in the US where life expectancy is 78.

"Middle age" does not refer to the exact mid-point of your life span. It refers to the "middle" age of the "adult"-"middle aged adult"-"senior adult" classification of adult ages.

When you adopt an older dog, you know exactly what you're getting. A puppy that's sweet and cuddly might not be so friendly or obedient when it's grown.

My brother adopted an 8-year-old hound dog from a country shelter. He later moved to the city, and the dog adapted just fine. His apartment is small, but the dog is past the age of running all over the place and tearing up stuff, so it's a perfect fit.

While we're at it, eight years does not deem a small dog senior/elderly necessarily. The "one dog year = seven human years" formula has since been debunked in favor of recent findings.

e.g., An eight year old dog:

weighing under 21 lbs. = 48 human years;

weighing 21 to 50 lbs. = 51 human years; or

weighing 50 lbs. and more = 55 human years.

R25 is psychotic.

At our shelter, we work with adopters to help them find the right match. Staff has tremendous responsibility to ensure we are making the right decision — an innocent life depends on it.

Anyone generalizing about shelter staff in a negative way should go jump in a vat of acid. I’ll stir.

R49: Regardless of her source, a puppy has to be lovingly trained to become a good family member; like with human babies, you don't just let them run wild and raise themselves.

You're not aiding your cause here, R51.

Sheesh! Get a grip.

[quote] Reality check for [R29] — 59 is not middle aged. It’s not elderly, but the middle aged ship sailed 20 years ago.

Well, let's not be too hasty here. 118 years old is a perfectly reasonable lifespan.

Adopt the old and ugly!!! They need love too.

[quote] Adopt the old and ugly!!! They need love too.

So do the young and the pretty.

I’m 59 and have a young cat, because she walked in my garage on a freezing cold day, snuck into the house when nobody was looking, and refused to leave.

It worries me constantly. I tried to find a home for her for months but no luck. The only people that replied were young people that were so reckless and irresponsible with the pets they already had, I wouldn’t have let her go.

One idiot had an older small dog, got a younger big dog “because she always wanted that breed.” The youngest dog attacked the old dog, hurt it badly, then she gave the old dog away because she wanted the breed of the young one. Then she wanted my cat “because she always wanted that color.” After your dog tried to kill and eat the other one? Fuck you.

I kept her. But I am really worried about her long term situation and it weighs on me. I wasn’t going to get another pet at all at my age, because I don’t have anyone to take her. I cared for two elderly family members, and when they hit their late sixties and seventies, I ended up having to re-home one pet because she could no longer take care of her, and the other pet was able to stay at home because I went over and constantly cleaned after the pet.

Selfish older people don’t have the energy to clean up after their pets or exercise them, they want the pet to be lying on them all the time, and never think of the pet’s need to exercise. Only their value as entertainment.

I don’t know your age, OP, but if you are over sixty, for God’s sake don’t get a young pet. Fostering would work out a lot better and if something happens to you, they will find a home for the pet. I wish I had someone reliable to leave my pet to, but my family members are horrible and selfish with pets and I would never leave an innocent animal with any of them. I am just at my wit’s end now, I don’t have a plan B.

Why not just adopt a senior pet, OP?

Check out local breeders in your area and get the puppy you want.

My Mom lives in a senior living condo community in Florida (everyone there is 55+). Last year her next door neighbor living in a townhouse adopted a puppy. Even though he was only in his early seventies he died suddenly a few weeks later.

By the time his body was discovered the puppy had died too.

[quote] If you were too black or too gay, you'd all be throwing a bitch fit, even though it may also be true.

You know that most gay people are non-confrontational, right?

That what horrifies me, R60. If you live alone that is always a possibility. My mother died at 67. You never know.

r57, I set up a trust to take care of my cats if something happens to me. My niece agreed to be their guardian with the understanding that she doesn't have to keep them but make sure they end up in good homes, not necessarily together because they aren't really friends, and administer the funds for their care. Any money leftover goes to the shelter. I did this back in February, my lawyer charged $300 to set it up. It's given me great peace of mind.

What a wonderful thing to do, R63!

An elderly friend of my family's wanted to do something similar with her dogs, r63, but none of her other friends or her family were willing to take on the dogs (they were nasty things). Finally my mother agreed to do it, dreading having to care for them; fortunately, they both were outlived by their owner. The woman, who is a very ornery old thing herself at 93, talked about buying a new dog, but my mom said that if she did, my mother (who is 84 herself) would absolutely not take care of the new dog if the dog outlived the friend. So that was the end of that.

R65, my 75ish relative wanted another pet when the last one died, and was very angry and resentful when she was told everyone who had helped her with the last one was not doing it again. She was in very poor health and could do nothing to care for a new pet at all. Someone would have had to come over every day and completely support the animal.

Why do people do that? It’s a living thing, not a stuffed animal.

It's because they're very lonely and want something to love, but they're also very selfish and don't see the work they're causing other people.

I do see this right now--I have two cats who are each 2 years old, and I'm 54. They might wind up being my last pets if they live to be older than 15. I would be very sad to live without cats.

In my city pet adoptions went through the roof during lockdown and huge percentage were returned when it was over. There may soon be many ads appearing for rehoming

R57, I'm in my mid-40's and worry about care for my cats too. There are no guarantees any of us will be around tomorrow. Like you I don't have a long term plan either. I do volunteer for the adoption group where my cats are from. My volunteer friends would facilitate their return to the group but it pains me to think of my cats back in cages. It would likely be a very long, perhaps permanent return as they are seniors. As a volunteer, I have taken care of old cats that just stay at our center for months and then are rotated to another center (for a fresh batch of potential adopters). I would gladly donate to a group or a person who I could trust to take care of my cats. My cat friends are older and they live in condos with pet limits, which they have reached/exceeded.

I live alone without family close by. I have a modest group of friends but we're not involved in each other's lives on a daily basis. I worry about dropping dead and my cats going unattended for days or weeks before anyone figures it out. I found a service called Kitestring and I use the free version. Basically it's an automated check-in service that uses texting. I text in to Kitestring to check in on me in 50 hours. When the check in text arrives, I have to respond within 12 hours (there are options for duration). If I don't, Kitestring sends a message to designated friend that I wrote at the initial setup. The message instructs my friend to see if I'm alive and to contact a host of people, including friends who take care of my cats. It works because a couple of times I have missed the check-in text and my designated friend reached out to me. A little embarrassing but I figure if it's ever truly needed, it's worth it. Rinse and repeat the check in process every 50 hours. The reason it's 50 hours is because the free monthly limit is 15 check ins.

R60, I think senior living communities should encourage check in activities. Either by the staff or the seniors themselves and take advantage of technology. Community welfare checks essentially. I set up a daily check in routine with my mom. She sends an emoji every day around noon as a quick check in. We talk/message 2-3 times weekly but it's good to get a daily ding to know she's up and about for the day.

R69 That is a great idea. I’m going to discuss this tactic with my mother.

OP here.

I haven't given up. I've always adopted in the past because homeless animals deserve everything we can do for them.

I've adopted older animals, with a 10 year old black cat adopted at 6 sitting here next to me. She's the reason I'd prefer a puppy. She was not the prettiest cat I saw the day I went to the shelter, but she head bumped me, so I had no choice. She 'claimed' me and I'm glad she did.

I'm looking for an adult dog that can get along with cats, and yes, vet bills are a consideration if I'm being honest. I'm retired and doing well, but I can't afford major surgery myself, let alone for a dog. Either way, if I got a puppy and it got ill, I'd have to do what was necessary. It's a part of the contract for life that you agree to. So if the shelters and agencies are afraid of future calamities with older folks, I'm no different.

R28, I love your suggestion. I'll ask my old friend for help.

After going through several applications, I find the process extremely intrusive and nothing like what I went through 4 years ago for my girl. And do these agencies/shelters really think a home visit is a good idea right now? Who would agree to that? Normally, I suppose it's ok, but why do I want someone from a shelter examining me about how many times I change the cat box? Why ask me about my daily routine? WTF

I won't give up, but I'm not going through an adoption agency right now and will wait a bit until I can actually visit a shelter.

As for fostering - again, I don't think it would be ok for my older cat and I'd be reluctant to give up an animal she'd bonded with. I did look into it and was offered the opportunity to foster several pit bulls. Young, sweet looking, but I can't take that chance. I'm not fond of the breed and though I know how they turn out is all about nurturing, it's not a challenge I'm willing to take on.

So many of the adoptable dogs are pits and pit mixes. It's tragic.

I bought two children, no problem.

The animal shelter systems are run by whack job lesbians and straight white women with martyr complexes. I know it all too well. They’ve become absolutely unhinged and have been that way since the early 2000s.

I’m not exaggerating. They all fancy themselves social workers and veterinarian types, delusional in their little amount of power over these poor animals and the good people like the OP who want to love them. They’ve initiated things like home visits, income verification, forcing people to watch hours of videos prior to adoption, etc. These types have completely taken over.

OP, if you’re able to, buy a dog. There is NOTHING wrong with buying from a trusted, respectable breeder or pet shop. Don’t believe the fake narrative they’ve been pushing for years that there are millions of sad doggies and kitties living on death row waiting for adoption. You’ve just proven, again that isn’t entirely true. The animal welfare and adoption industry in America is a massive racket and exploits people through their hearts.

The more people begin to stay clear of shelters, the sooner they’ll be forced to normalize and weed-out the unhinged females who have ruined the system with their mental illnesses and savior complexes.

R71OP I’d buy a pet of the age you prefer. I’m not elderly but I could die tomorrow too, accidents happen. To be honest I find the adoption process described discriminating. It is in no way ok. Shelters should accept that there are no guarantees. Your age isn’t a guarantee and changing the cat box every other day isn’t, your financial situation isn’t(you also have to be willing to spend and notice the pet is ill) etc. Many cats do their business outside so are well off with a change of litter every week. Well the list goes on and on.....Follow your heart OP.

R74, thanks.

I have two boxes for one cat that I clean every morning. She'd shit on the rug if I didn't.

If you have someone who is willing to take your pets and care for them forever if you become ill or die, but who has that? Most of the time you’re lucky if a friend will feed your animals while you’re on vacation.

Otherwise, it’s just not smart to get very young animals when you’re older. It’s selfish to the pet, because many will be re-homed when they’re old themselves. That’s very traumatic for them and they don’t understand why they lost their home and family. Plenty of people will take puppies and kittens, they find homes. Older animals suffer in shelters for a long time and get depressed, if they’re not put down outright.

Get yourself a parrot, op! They live forever, and can be a witness on your behalf if you're ever murdered. Lots of birds are available for adoption.

Don't go to a breeder. There's a surplus of dogs and it's better to adopt one.

I've been thinking about you, OP. Do you have a new best friend yet?

I’m 55 and live alone. I had been tying to adopt a puppy or younger dog for several months, and I wondered the same thing. I was able to get a 12 week old mixed breed puppy three weeks ago. She is gorgeous, and I’m sure she will be a wonderful dog. That said, I wish I had adopted a dog 1 to 3 years old, which was my past experience. I had never had a pup and thought my current working from home would be the only time I’d likely have to do this. I was also afraid of bonding with a much older dog after the painful loss of my last dogs. But puppy rearing is so damn hard, particularly if you live alone. I’d recommend getting an adult dog.

My dog died last summer and he really was my best friend. He came from the rescue centre and we only had 3 and a half years together. He was so sweet and funny and grumpy and cheeky, I really have felt alone without him. When I was out last week a woman I've never spoken to me came up and said "Is your dog ok? I've not seen you together for a long time" - we used to walk past her house twice a day and she said he had a lovely face.

There's a dog the same breed in a rescue centre - he's 11, so there wouldn't be a huge amount of time with him. I know I'm not replacing my beloved doggie and I think he'd approve of me giving this old chap a comfortable home with his old bed under the stairs, but I'm selfish because I don't want to have to say goodbye again too quickly.

There is a private cat shelter where I lives that does long term fosters. It is a great deal being the shelter covers medical care for the cat if needed. They can ask for the cat back at anytime but being the shelter is full of cats I doubt this will ever happen. I wish more shelters would look at the elderly as places they can place their animals even 8f it might not be forever.

Congratulations, and hang in there, R80, you two are still in the "dating stage." We've all been there and you'll find plenty of nice dog owners here willing to answer any questions/concerns you might have.

Wishing you many healthy and happy years together.

Perhaps it's still too soon for you to bring home another, R81. Next month will be two years for me, and I am almost ready.

So don't wait too long; we must not let our loving hearts and homes go to waste.

R83 so sweet and kind of you. I’m experienced wirh adult dogs. It’s puppyhood that is bringing age related challenges and demands I haven’t fully experienced before. And while she still nips very frequently and is often on energy overdrive we are starting to find our rhythm even after only three weeks. I’ve had two sessions with a trainer, and it has helped a lot.

I've got a new Great Dane puppy who is still not house trained but once he is I know its any easy breed for me. Very calm.

OP. Puppyfid.com has older dogs available as well, but you have to seriously peruse to find them.

It’s so ridiculous how difficult it is to get a dog that isn’t a pit bull.

I always feel sadness when I see a massive dog like a Great Dane, knowing they live at most 7-8 years

FYI - I'm in San Francisco, and it is still nearly impossible and takes dedication, luck or wks/months to adopt a rescue. Heard there is about 150-200 people hoping to adopt each dog and at some places (after you "qualify") its done by a lottery system.

I've been dealing with a cancerous tumor found in my 8 year old dogs mouth (Cairn Terrier) and it's been a struggle to have him treated due to the shortage of veterinarians and especially vet oncologists.

Shockingly, to me at least, SF doesn't have a single full time Vet oncologist; only one that visits one day a week (and she's booked weeks in advance).

I guess if your dog / cat gets cancer in a secondary market like Sacramento, Boise etc you're sh*t out of luck ??

Sacramento has UC Davis for expert vet care and treatment.

Rural areas with Universities usually have excellent animal medical services.

I'm pretty sure if a cat owner dies, the cat usually just eats them.

Give old people, old pets. 40 year olds should not have kittens.

Not exactly on topic, but in a way, I guess it is. Within the last couple of days, Nova Scotia SPCA broke the news that they had raided a dog hoarder, and the person had 77 dogs and puppies. They're being fostered out as we speak, but, man what a load of work this is going to be. On the bright side, they'll eventually get good permanent homes. SPCA thinks that the whole shmozzle is going to cost them $70 000 before the whole thing is sorted out. On the upside, there will eventually be some good dogs out for permanent adoption.

OP must be over 70.

I’m still in my 50s but I have friends in their 70s. One of them lives for his animals and was so depressed at the thought of being too old to get another dog. A constant chorus of what if I die? My husband and I offered to be god parents. He adopted an adult dog who had been at the shelter a looooong time. She has proven to be his pride & joy. We walk our dogs together twice a week, so my dog knows her should anything happen. I text him just to check in another two days a week. It’s worked out well. I just signed something at the shelter promising to let them know should the dog end up w me.

OP that might not be your solution, but for others reading it’s a very easy way to help someone get something they really want. Wishing OP a happy ending - and the dog of his dreams.

Just fuckin' go into the alley, boom you have a cat. A dog is not much harder to come by.

R96, the ghost of my drunken dad posting from hell

I adopted an eleven year-old cocker spaniel for my 83 year-old dad when I was taking care of him.

It was a three-year race; she outlived him and I kept her with me another two years.

I don’t think she was as old as they told me.

I adopted my cat from a city run shelter, and all I had to do was pay for him. I didn't have to submit any sort of application.

One of well known rescue charities in the UK are doing online only applications for you to meet the dog, before having to do another application to adopt.

I completed it on Sunday. I have experience of the breed, work from home, have a big garden with no steps, live near a field and woods.

NOT HEARD A THING, and they made it clear that if you don't hear in 5 days it's a no from them.

I was going to adopt a dog from a rescue and was denied because I was living in a condo at the time, it was for a Golden Retriever. I then adopted a senior dog from a city shelter without any big hassle or big adoption fee. I would urge anyone to adopt a senior dog if you can afford it since some may require big vet bills.

I’m 60 and just adopted a 15 year old cat. A friend asked why I didn’t adopt a kitten because they’re so friggin cute. I told her older cats are often overlooked and I wanted to give one a loving home for as long as he has left. Also I don’t have the energy for a kitten.

I am a longtime and consistent volunteer at a TX shelter and while I’m not on staff, I would be highly shocked if that was even an unspoken policy. I see older people leaving with animals all the time (well, before Covid). Having said that, if an energetic dog isn’t a good match for a frail older person, we will recommend another dog that would fit better. We don’t want pets being returned because the adopter can’t walk the dog on a daily basis or otherwise physically care for it. Private rescues may have other policies.