It took us a while to get another dog, after putting our 13 year old lab down but we found a great 5-7 year old golden brittany female at wayside waifs. We have had her three years.
Anyone recall the old Rod Sterling Twilight Zone of the mountaineer and his hunting dog? A classic.
I was dreading that both of my old dogs may go near the same time. I got a puppy a couple years ago as a pre-emptive strike. So now I have three dogs, two old, 14 year old lab and 15 year old mix, and one young. I have an aging horse too, but I am not ready to think about that yet. Thankfully he is in good health at 21. He could make it to 30 without surprising me. I love 'em!
I take pride in caring for them well while they are here for their short lives, knowing all the while that it will end, and I can make sure it ends well, and they die loved. I will always open my home to new arrivals as a spot opens up.
An old man has loved many good dogs.