Along the way, we had 4, count them, 4 rescued King Charles Spaniels at one time. Our very first and turned out to be our last(surviving her three younger sisters) made the Journey to the Rainbow Bridge about 5 months ago. We still have two other rescues(a mini Schnauzer and a Wire haired Mini Dachshund). I realize we are setting ourselves up for heartbreak but we may soon adopt two matched King Charles Spaniels that are 13 years old. Unusual circumstances make it necessary for the owner to leave the "kids" behind(owner is leaving the country and her concern is the long flight and a month long quarantine would be too much for the kids to handle)….I tend to agree with her thinking.Anyways....I know its the right thing to do for the Doggies(giving them a Loving Home for whatever time(years hopefully) they have left. We've adopted an older doggie before so this is not completely unheard of. Anyone else here adopt older ones...any regrets(I can't imagine any)...any words of wisdom? Thanks for listening....

We only adopt strays. We now have a discarded coon hound and a 9 year old Lab / Chow 108 pound solid black mix that was expertly trained and then discarded in our driveway (we live on a farm in the country). We have never in 40 years had a pure bred dog here. Take that back. We had a Rhodesian Ridgeback for a while but found him a good home. he's still there.IMNO. mutt's make the best companions.Remember Dog spelled backwards is GOD.Hardest part is trying to figure out what their name was in their other life.Our coon hound is Dutchess and the Lab/Chow is Quincy. Quincy looks the part 'mean' but is a big baby.he is very protective of my wife and I however and at 108 pounds, you'd be a fool to mess with him.Quincy goes everywhere with us including camping and believe me, no one walks through out campsite... ever.

Names won't be an issue for these two...its Elvis and Rosie. If you look at my signature you'll see we have always names our kids with names that end in "ie" except for one who already had a name(Cooper) but we called him Coopie and this new kiddo, Elvis!!! :-)

I adopted a 13 year old golden. Her owners died, the daughter took her pitbull brother but couldn't take both. The son wouldn't take her in. I had her for just over 2 years. I have never regretted it. She went camping, to the drive-in, and had a good few last years. Several years ago, I adopted a 30+ year old parrot. He spent many years in a cage. He had bad arthritis in his feet, had mini seizures, and was overweight. Now, he is out of his cage most days, is active and has lost weight, his arthritis is almost non-existent. Very rarely has a seizure. And he goes camping and loves it!Give the dogs new experiences and a happy old age. You will never regret it. Yes, they will be gone sooner than later, but they had quality for it. So worth it!

I guess that sums it up.....our kids love to go Camping(RV'ing) and Yes, they all go with us. Thank You!!!

I think the only "regret" you will have is if you don't adopt them.

Adopting older "kids" | Good Sam Community

ReneeG
Explorer
Jan 22, 2019
Wow. She must sense his prescence. Very interesting.
keepmotoring
Explorer
Jan 22, 2019
Acampingwewillgo, awww so sweet. Rosie knows Elvis is home
Acampingwewillg
Explorer II
Jan 21, 2019
I have to add this...Our Rosie(Elvis's sister) was always the vocal one, reminding my wife with gentle barks when it was time for Breakfast or Dinner, or when either of them wanted to go outside. Rosie would be the spokesperson for both of them.

The night the Elvis journeyed to the "Bridge", the next morning and following mornings, No notifications from Rosie. We thought how odd but then figured she was mourning her brother.

For our 40 year married life we have had doggies, generally multiple doggies, and have always had the kids cremated when there time had come. So a week goes by with no Breakfast/dinner barks from Rosie, we then retrieve Elvis's ashes and bring them home...the very next morning, Rosie is announcing Breakfast again. Call it what you want....weird, coincidental, faith, I don't know, but there has to be something to it all or at least I like to think that.

Thank You all for your Kind words and support.
keepmotoring
Explorer
Jan 20, 2019
Acampingwewillgo, I am so sorry.
keepmotoring
Explorer
Jan 20, 2019
We only adopt senior rescues now. Started about 6 years ago. We are of the age we still love dogs but don't have the energy to handle an active dog. Yes, they might not be with you as long but you are giving them a loving home until the end. At this what is all about. Most people don't want the seniors so it is a wonderful thing to do.
Acampingwewillg
Explorer II
Jan 10, 2019
Elvis and Rosie were so very close to one another. There dynamic was so interesting to watch. Rosie was the leader without a doubt. I had just commented to my wife a few days earlier how the both of them would always follow her into the kitchen hoping for a treat. Of course they generally got one.

It really doesn't take much time to become bonded to our Fur Kids, I miss Elvis so much but we are giving Rosie extra attention during this grieving period along with our two other rescues.

Thanks again to all for your thoughts....
ReneeG
Explorer
Jan 10, 2019
I'm so sorry about Elvis. In the short time he was with you, he experienced a lot of love. No telling if it would've been the same had he not been with you. What a joy to have known and loved him! You have is litter mate now to continue the love with.
Reader1
Explorer
Jan 10, 2019
I know there are always issues when a new dog comes into our homes but thank God for people like you who provide so many dogs with love and care. Our dogs have always been rescued also but to adopt older dogs knowing the heartbreak would be tough. Just know that you will be giving them amazing lives for the time they are with you and that they will enhance your lives also.
doxiemom11
Explorer II
Jan 10, 2019
All of our dogs have been 7 or older. The oldest was around 12 yrs old. No regrets ever. Love the old ones. Our current was 8 when we got her. She is now 14, will be 15 in June. Wouldn't change a thing.
Acampingwewillg
Explorer II
Jan 09, 2019
Elvis did get to enjoy two months of motorhome travel with us. He took to it very well except for the slippery floors....plenty of throw rugs on the floor.

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