This older person just had to replace our Golden
Retriever, Max, who crossed the Rainbow Bridge suddenly about 6 years ago. Max, a rescue, was probably 2 when we got him and probably 12 when we lost him. We adopted him 17 years ago. Do the math. I was remembering Max at age 12, his predecessor, Terra, another Golden who died at 15. I opted for a Golden Puppy, Riley. I am 15 years older, no longer swift of foot, nor eager to be challenged. Riley is incorrigible. He’s flunked 3 obedience classes, wants to be boss of everything, and has shown no sign of slowing down at 3. I love him dearly, but I have to admit that my first dog trainer was right when she said that we’d adopted the wrong dog. He’s mine forever, but I wish that I had a fenced yard where he could run free. I wish that he wasn’t so strong that I fear that he will knock, or pull, me over. I wish that I were younger in order to give him the life that he deserves. And I wish that he weren’t so d—d smart that he can read my mind! Get a small dog, or a cat. LOL
In our lives we’ve given away 4 dogs, because it became obvious we could no longer appropriately care for them...it was hard, but we have no regrets because we found them homes where they could get the exercise and care they needed...(mostly it was because of job changes.) It is just sometimes the best for ALL.
And PS....you don’t want to end up with a broken hip or worse caused by your friend.