How old is too old??? HELP!!

    • Silver

    How old is too old??? HELP!!

    We are thinking of adopting a dog!
    We found a really sweet female yellow lab but she is 9 years old.
    Do you think that's too old to adopt?
    About how long do labs live?
    I don't want to bring her home, fall in love with her, then have to put her down in 2 years or she would pass.

    Would you adopt a dog that old??



    Thanx
    • Gold Top Dog

    There aren't any guarantees on how long any dog will live.  At some point, they all die and we grieve.  Giving a home to an older dog, if you're prepared for the possible medical issues, is very rewarding.  Would you avoid falling in love with a person knowing that some day they might leave you or die before you?  

    If  I didn't already have three dogs, I'd definitely adopt an older dog.  I owned Labs for many years and I have a soft spot for them.  

    • Moderators
    • Gold Top Dog

    Labs usually live to about 12 if you are lucky. Do your homework on the breed before you get one, no matter what dog you get. I'm not sure if this would be the best dog just because she is already 9 and you have a rather active farm. In your case I would not adopt a 9 year old dog. I'm sorry but I would hate to see her be too old for your lifestyle. Keep me posted.

    • Gold Top Dog

    I agree with Jackie--there are no guarantees, but the rewards can be amazing. I adopted a yellow Lab when he was 11--he didn't know he was a senior and thought he was about 6! He lived to just a couple weeks shy of his 14th birthday. I would definitely adopt a senior again.

    • Silver

    We went to see her today and she absolutely does not act 9! She isn't a dead head. She doesn't jump up. She's still a very lively little girl. She's so sweet,

    • Bronze

    Go with your heart.  Either  you will be sad if she is so nice and you don't adopt her, or if you do you will be sad down the road when you lose her.  Would you be able to get her checked out by your vet beforehand?  That may very well provide information to help you decide.  

    • Bronze

    Yeah, listen to your heart.. what he says only do  that.. so, you feels happy..

    Thank you

    • Silver

    Just think, yes, the dog may only live a few more years , but you could make it the best years of her life and I think it also puts in perspective that we all seem to love the idea of a sweet fluffy little puppy running around, but they all get older and have problems. They still need someone to love them, no matter how old!