A Little Advice, Please

[livingdustmops]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

In other words, she couldn't get a dog from most rescues either. Just as all 20 year olds aren't mature enough to care for a puppy, some are, and age should only be only indicator in making a decision. I guess it's your opinion that this person should not ever have a dog again? Yet, she comes with the best reference of all, having cared for a dog who lived 16 years, and I believe she should be rewarded for this. As you say, your rescue had the full understanding that the dog would come back to them, and Jim intends to do look into this.

I believe that one of the best indicators on how long we will live is our "will to live." I've seen too many examples of people beating all odds, when there is a great will to live. While I think it's important to put the dog's needs first, I do not believe in overlooking human needs. The dog could live very happily with them for 5 or so years, and blend with another family fairly easy, if it's been raised well, and her previous experience indicates she knows something about raising a dog well. I don't think it's necessarily a horrible thing for a dog to be rehomed, I've adopted dogs from shelters, and they never seemed traumatized over the new home.

I added my opinion from a rescue perspective...a rescue's first responsibility is for the welfare of the dog and not the people. I am not oppopsed to an adult dog going to someone that is older but not a puppy.

Many of the rescues that come in have already been through multi homes and to have them be changing hands again is not responsible or kind to the animal. I have a darling little 3# girl that had been in 3 homes before she was 8 months old. Sure she adjusted but she still has some issues.

Many rescues do move on but I believe it is unkind to know the odds are pretty high the dog will have to move again. I especially find that Yorkies are companion animals and it is harder on them then larger dogs.

I also would want to ask someone who is 80 how do they train their dogs...what kind of methods do they use?...would they hit their dog?

I believe many people can live past 80 but they are not usually asfast on their feet, nor will they get up and down as fast as some younger people, nor do they see as well so they could step on the dogs and many are bedridden but living longer..

I think they could easily give love to an old dog and enjoy saving a life.

[livingdustmops]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Speaking of statistics, jp4m2 posted some stats from on this thread: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/off...ml#post2994049
The Regional Shelter Relinquishment Study sponsored by the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy found that 62 percent of the animals turned over to rescues were by people who were under 30 years of age.

You might want to read my response on that thread.

[livingdustmops]

Originally Posted by Woogie Man

Cindy, I understand rescues (or any organization) must have some type of policy. You indicate that yours was based on statistics. Her's a link to an article (with statistics) about centenarians.

USATODAY.com - Centenarians increase in age and numbers

Nancy, great post. There have been studies that show that owning an animal may contribute both to the the quality and length of life. We don't come with an expiration date and I would feel empty without a dog in my life and hope to have one (at least) all my days that I can give the care they need.

I do think this whole thing is a new area to consider from a breeder's point of view. Of course, any responsible breeder would never refuse any of their dogs a forever home, if need be. Things can and do happen to us at any age.

Yes they do but many are now in nursing homes, wheel chairs etc.

Let me repeat, I have said over and over again...they can adopt any older dog but why a puppy?

You might want to check out how many dogs are turned into shelters because the owners passed away...

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by livingdustmops

I added my opinion from a rescue perspective...a rescue's first responsibility is for the welfare of the dog and not the people. I am not oppopsed to an adult dog going to someone that is older but not a puppy.

Many of the rescues that come in have already been through multi homes and to have them be changing hands again is not responsible or kind to the animal. I have a darling little 3# girl that had been in 3 homes before she was 8 months old. Sure she adjusted but she still has some issues.

Many rescues do move on but I believe it is unkind to know the odds are pretty high the dog will have to move again. I especially find that Yorkies are companion animals and it is harder on them then larger dogs.

I also would want to ask someone who is 80 how do they train their dogs...what kind of methods do they use?...would they hit their dog?

I believe many people can live past 80 but they are not usually asfast on their feet, nor will they get up and down as fast as some younger people, nor do they see as well so they could step on the dogs and many are bedridden but living longer..

I think they could easily give love to an old dog and enjoy saving a life.

I understand rescues position, and I'll not argue with what they decide, just as I would not argue with a breeder who decided it wasn't right for them. How could the love an old dog and save a life, if no rescue was willing to consider them?

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by livingdustmops

You might want to read my response on that thread.

LOL, I did, and I don't think anyone wants me to teach them a lesson in stats, I've tried that before. I'll just say the stats do not imply that most people under 30 year olds relinquish their pets, the stats only indicate that people under thirty are the most likely to relinquish their pets. Anytime a number is over 50% you can use the word "most." At 62% you can use the word most.

[livingdustmops]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

LOL, I did, and I don't think anyone wants me to teach them a lesson in stats, I've tried that before. I'll just say the stats do not imply that most people under 30 year olds relinquish their pets, the stats only indicate that people under thirty are the most likely to relinquish their pets. Anytime a number is over 50% you can use the word "most." At 62% you can use the word most.

Okay I agree but my point in this thread was we wouldn't rescue to someone 20 either...unless they have been very involved with shelters/rescue's and had not moved a number of times.

Look, a breeder is going to sell whomever they want, I just wanted to give another side to the issue...

[Sookie]

I would sell to someone that age if they seemed fit and healthy. My dad is 94 and could easily take care of a dog. If he had gotten a dog at 80, it would be 14 y/o now!! He works every day (volunteer) preparing meals at the food kitchen. There are vast differences between people. I have met some 40 year olds that seem very old for their age and I have seem people like my father, who are full of energy and love life.

But, life is fragile at that age, so I do understand your concerns and think that a clause in the contract stating that the dog is returned to you (or to a family member that you like and approve of) should something happen is a good idea.

[Woogie Man]

Originally Posted by livingdustmops

Yes they do but many are now in nursing homes, wheel chairs etc.

Let me repeat, I have said over and over again...they can adopt any older dog but why a puppy?

You might want to check out how many dogs are turned into shelters because the owners passed away...

Cindy, it's one thing to talk about a subject using generalities and statistics (I do that myself) but there are always exceptions to any rule and somewhere you have to acknowledge the uniqueness of a specific situation. Generally speaking, I agree with you, but I'm trying to keep an open mind and look at the specifics.

I have asked the same thing...if a younger dog wouldn't be a good fit, how about a retired female or rescue. I would tend to not think of rescue first as my belief is that many have issues (health, socialization) that could be more overwhelming than dealing with a younger dog.

If a person, no matter their age, gets a dog from a responsible breeder, the idea of them becoming a shelter dog is a moot point.

[Woogie Man]

Originally Posted by Sookie

I would sell to someone that age if they seemed fit and healthy. My dad is 94 and could easily take care of a dog. If he had gotten a dog at 80, it would be 14 y/o now!! He works every day (volunteer) preparing meals at the food kitchen. There are vast differences between people. I have met some 40 year olds that seem very old for their age and I have seem people like my father, who are full of energy and love life.

But, life is fragile at that age, so I do understand your concerns and think that a clause in the contract stating that the dog is returned to you (or to a family member that you like and approve of) should something happen is a good idea.

It is widely understood that everyone has a chronological age and a biological age. Good point.

[livingdustmops]

One more thought...why wouldn't anyone adopt a child to me at 50 years of age if age wasn't an issue. I made good $$$, owned my own home, fenced yard etc. etc but you get the point and it is just food for thought. I didn't try to adopt a child but I knew I would have to go out of this country if I wanted a child as I never married either...

[Woogie Man]

Cindy, I would think it a shame if you were to not be considered as an adoptive parent at age 50, especially with all the kids that need homes. Just think, you would, in all likelihood, see that child grow into an adult and have children of their own. Maybe these rules need to be looked at, too.

I will say that everyone's opinion has been food for thought and is appreciated. Thank you.

[QuickSilver]

Interesting thread. Woogie Man, I guess my advice would be to tell her you have a policy that she needs to provide a concrete plan of what happens if/when she and her husband are not able to take care of the dog. It doesn't even really have to be an age thing. I can see that as a legitimate policy for everyone. If someone dies in a car crash tomorrow, is there a plan in place for pet care? If the dog is supposed to go back to you, do the next of kin know that? Maybe that's morbid, but still, we all want to make sure our pets are provided for.

[Woogie Man]

Even though that's what's in the front of my mind, I wouldn't approach it as an age thing. And you're right, there should be a plan in place for our pets' care, in the event of all those what ifs. An owner, as well as the breeder should consider this.

In this particular case, it's more of the likelihood of something happening. Though all my pups are 'boomerang dogs' (they always have a home with me), I sure hope that each and every one placed are in their forever home. I don't want to place them in a situation not in their best interest. Clauses in a contract and provisions made do mitigate a situation, but are only a fix to what may become a less than ideal situation. The goal is always to find that ideal home, though nothing is guaranteed in life.

[ladyjane]

I have adopted to older people....but older pups, not puppies. My personal belief is that when an elderly person wants a puppy they want to please themselves....and
are being selfish and not considering the pup. 80 plus 20 = 100 ... and yorkies sometimes do live to be 100. She and her husband may be spry now...but what about in 10 years? And, surely you expect the yorkie to live beyond 10. Sure, anyone can die at any age, but what kind of rational is that really? Look at the odds.

I really need to start keeping a count of how many pups I see turned into shelters or directly to rescues by people who had promised to care for them after their owners died. I think a lot of you would be very surprised. It happens a LOT.

Just my two cents. I know lots of you will disagree which is fine, but I just wanted to give my feedback for thought.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

I have adopted to older people....but older pups, not puppies. My personal belief is that when an elderly person wants a puppy they want to please themselves....and
are being selfish and not considering the pup. 80 plus 20 = 100 ... and yorkies sometimes do live to be 100. She and her husband may be spry now...but what about in 10 years? And, surely you expect the yorkie to live beyond 10. Sure, anyone can die at any age, but what kind of rational is that really? Look at the odds.

I really need to start keeping a count of how many pups I see turned into shelters or directly to rescues by people who had promised to care for them after their owners died. I think a lot of you would be very surprised. It happens a LOT.

Just my two cents. I know lots of you will disagree which is fine, but I just wanted to give my feedback for thought.

Well, I guess if yorkies live to be 100, not many of us should be buying them.