[Big Red Badger]

I would find a New Puppy,
Introduce it to the
Old Dog,
Then put him down.

Life goes on.

[grania]

re: finding a new puppy. It's not that easy. I'm now chronologically a senior citizen. If I choose an older dog, in a few years it might need care I can't provide. I could get attached, then go through losing the dog in a few years. If I get a younger dog, it's quite likely that I will not be able to provide the level of activity it requires for more than a few years.

One good solution is "dog sharing" with a child or grandchild. Get a younger dog both you and that person bond to, someone you see often. When you can no longer care for the dog, it's established what its next home will be.