Please help me find my aunt a dog!

Erehwemos

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My great-aunt would really like another dog
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She lives on her own now after the death of her husband 5 years ago, and now she has decided that she really wants a dog of her own again.

She has always had either Labradors or Poodles in the past. Her last Lab was still a puppy when her husband died, and he just got too boisterous, although he was a lovely boy. She spent a lot of money and time on trying to get him trained, but he was just too strong for her, and he ended up being rehomed - to the local vet!
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Now, she is 82 years young, and so it is hardly suprising she couldnt cope with a headstrong young pup. She says now that she would love a small dog - terrier sized, but doesnt have to be a terrier. She has no preference regarding age, breed or gender, and although she would like to rescue a dog, she doesnt have her own transport and so scouring the local rescues on her own would be a problem.

She lives in South Wales, so is an hour and a half's drive away from me, but she asked me today if I would 'find her a dog'
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As I am home all summer, I said I would do my best - but I dont know where to start!! Of course, I can try my local rescues, but if they need to arrange home visits I cannot see them wanting to travel 100 odd miles away
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I said to her that I would bring her down to see any I thought suitable, and she said no, she trusts me to use my own judgement and just buy it and take it home - but I am wary of that, as even though I may fall in love, there is no guarantee that my choice would be hers! So I dont know what the best course of action would be! Do I limit my search just to her local area, so that we can go and look at them together? Do I look at rescues, pups to buy, or both?!?

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Have you tried the cinnamon trust?
Don't know if they are just local or if they cover a large area but my nan got a dog through them from a rescue centre.
They specialize in helping older people find the right dog for them!
 
Warning bells ringing about 'downsizing' to a terrier puppy. Our old girl was purchased at six weeks by an eighty two year old lady. Even with the assistance of a (slightly) younger friend she couldn't cope and had to rehome her. The terrier nature came as an awful shock to a rough collie lady!

Add fifteen years to 82 and you are looking at 97. She should only consider a puppy if she can guarantee it's future (-other family members?). Very strangely
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nobody else in her family was willing to take our girl on.

Not to put her off getting a dog at all, but even at 82 she should be a responsible dog owner.
 
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Warning bells ringing about 'downsizing' to a terrier puppy. Our old girl was purchased at six weeks by an eighty two year old lady. Even with the assistance of a (slightly) younger friend she couldn't cope and had to rehome her. The terrier nature came as an awful shock to a rough collie lady!

Add fifteen years to 82 and you are looking at 97. She should only consider a puppy if she can guarantee it's future (-other family members?). Very strangely
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nobody else in her family was willing to take our girl on.

Not to put her off getting a dog at all, but even at 82 she should be a responsible dog owner.

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Totally take on board what you are saying - dont worry, she has already thought of everything
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She is my great aunt; my other aunt (Mum's sister, v confusing!) is a dog trainer and has already promised that she will take the dog on herself if anything happens - and if the worst came to the worst and she couldnt, then either myself or my mum would step in - so the dog's future would be secure
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In terms of not being able to cope - this is why she is thinking perhaps more of a rescue - she thinks an older, calmer dog may suit her better than a flightly young pup. Not to mention the fact that she will be giving a homeless dog a chance
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That's great. Fingers crossed she gets a nice dog. She might find a lap dog type (Cavalier?) easier than a terrier.
 
Oh thanks guys, I really appreciate your help!
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neversaydie - she mentioned a Cavalier; I was wary because I know they often have health problems, but you're right - that would be the kind of dog that would suit her. A good old lady's dog!
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Charmaine - thank you!
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Chappers looks cute; I would worry about the fact he cannot be with other dogs though, as there are four dogs in our family which would make family gatherings difficult if aunt were to bring her dog with her
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Aunt lives in Cwmbran if that helps at all - thanks again!
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Competitiondiva - yes Newport is very close! But I dont think Gypsy would be suitable, I wouldnt have thought my aunt would consider a staffy, sadly
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There are so many of them in rescue centres, it's so sad! I searched my local RSPCA centre (Bath) and it is just full of Staffies
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