Buying Puppy at 76 years

my first sheltie was a 5-6 yr old rescue and I had her for almost 6 years. The first puppy did wear her out and get on her nerves but she eventually tolerated him:winkgrin:
I did want to do performance events so the next 4 were puppies or young dogs (<1 yr). They range from 2 yrs to 6 yrs.

so I would also recommend and adult sheltie- either from rescue or a breeder placing an adult dog.
 
So many hard choices, but I think everyone here understands that yearning we can have for a dog, that really knows no age limit. From what you have said, it seems that Your Lady is not too old to handle a puppy, but I would be concerned that the puppy energy might get to be too much on some days. You may want some quiet companionship time, while puppy might be ready to play zoomies across the room... and across your lap! Don't believe that old wive's tale about adult dogs not bonding with you. I adopted a 5 year old Sheltie mix from a shelter, and he was the most devoted dog I ever had. See if your Sheltie breeder and your wife can put their heads together and find the perfect match for your both.
 
Welcome Houseboy to you and your lady to Sheltie Nation. As you can see you have received varied advice. Just to put my 2 cents worth in, I am 66 years old. Having sent my Angel across the bridge in 2009, in 2012 I decided to add a puppy to my home. So I brought in a 10 week old, of course, the cutest Sheltie on 4 legs! Worst mistake of my life! Everything in the world that could possibly go wrong, did! This puppy REFUSED to be housetrained and after 7 weeks, I could not take any more and sold her to a family with 4 kids, just what that puppy needed, with all of that puppy energy if they do not get the exercise and stimulation they need, they WILL create "jobs" for themselves. Me? I almost had to replace the carpet in my house! What that taught me is, puppies are baby's and baby's need a momma, I am no longer a momma, I am a grandma! I no longer had the patience for this beautiful little "wild child". So I had to make what I think was the best decision for her and rehome her to a happier place. I've spoken to her "new mommy" several times and that sweet baby is thriving in her new environment. Good luck with whatever decision you make, I'm sure you will make the right choice. :fl :hugs
 
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Hello and welcome!

You asked some very difficult questions that only you can really answer. My primary concern is your illness. Fatal illnesses run the gambit of things that can be long and drawn out to quick moving. It's great that you are healthy and active now. That said, tomorrow, a month, a year from now that story may be different. (My you be blessed with more healthy time than your doctors expect.)

My gut instinct is to suggest an older dog. The high energy of a puppy, especially as it gets into those bratty teenage puppy months, may become too much for you to handle. They can and will get into anything and everything, especially if bored. The older dogs will be more apt to want an easier lifestyle rather than go-go-go, something that may be better for your lifestyle as your illness progresses.

In addition to talking to breeders, talk to rescues. Many rescues have a hard time placing older dogs because everyone wants the puppies and youngsters.

There really is no reason to deny yourself the love of a Sheltie. The key is going to be finding the RIGHT Sheltie to fit your life now and what your life will be in subsequent years.
 
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