Quote: Mara Jessup

I think that your age isn't as important as having a plan in place regardless of your age.

I think this sums it up very nicely!

 Quote: Bob Scott

All my kids and grand kids have already argued (friendly) over who gets my dog/dogs when I'm gone.

Not sure how to take that.

I don't know, how many kids and grand kids you have, Bob. But I think in that special case you should have at least one dog for each one of them!!!

I would want a dog Bob has trained too!!!!!!!

Me too, but I doubt that Bob would entrust me one!

 Quote: Mara Jessup

I think that your age isn't as important as having a plan in place regardless of your age.

Very aptly formulated!

Three kids, five grandkids.

Never had that many dogs at one time and I don't think I could get away with it now.

My lovely wife has always been very patient with my to many hobbies.

Even though dogs are my #1 hobby her whole body starts to twitch and her eyes roll back in her head when I talk about my "NEXT" DOG.

So, that means 8 dogs for your familiy + 1 for Lori + 1 for me. Agree, that's way too much!

My oldest sister ( just 74) has two Australian Shepherds.
Always had dogs.

#2, sister, (72) has a........ cat but she's looking for a pup once she and her hubby get into a new house.
Always had dogs.

#3, Me(71 in a month or so) down to one GSD.
Always had dogs.

#4, brother(69) wife doesn't like critter of any sort...but she's ok other wise.
No critters what so ever.

#5, sister (66) likes dogs but has none now. Probably get another when she retires.
Always had dogs when her kids were growing up till she bought a two family flat and didn't allow dogs so she didn't keep one for herself

#6, Brother (61 soon) has a Presa Canario.
Always had dogs.

#7, sister, (56) None now because of housing issues.
Always had dogs. She'll probably have 2 or more when things get settled down.

Daughter #1 (45 soon) has a Chi dog and a Chi x JRT.
always had dogs.

Daugheter #2(43)has a Chi dog and a Pom x Pap mix.
Always had dogs.

Son, (32 soon) took my/his JRT with him when he bought a home.
Single and way to active in back packing, car rallies, White water rafting, you name it. Always had dogs.
Will get another in time.

I could never imagine not having a dog...ever!

I do understand this fully! Although I have dogs only since about 4 1/2 years I can not imagine do be without any more, though I know some day I will have to. I wished to have at least one throughout my life since I was a little girl of 4 years.

Envy you and your Family. Wowee! Seems to be a very special Clan! More animals than people! I'm convinced it is very good for kids to grow up with dogs or/and other animals.

Your sister in law doesn't like critter at all? I always thought the word "critter" means creatures in general. We are all creatures. So she must love critter for she has a husband.

You gave me some work to do!!!

Presa canário: I translated it first as a captured canary , because in Portugues canário means canary and presa means prey. But then I googled for it. What a wonderful dog! Looks a bit like the bigger one of my Pits.

Had also to look up Chi dog, JRT, Pom and Pap! Didn't think of Chihuahua, Papillon and Jack Russel Terrier. Should have known if thinking a bit.

For POM I found it was an abbreviation for cpuntless things, amongst others: "Peace Of Mind", "Piece Of Meat", "Prisoner of Mother", "Pooped Out Mom".

Well I finally found Pomeranian and a mount of pictures of all those breeds. Sweet, funny, adorable dogs. Anyway I haven't ever seen a dog, whom I wouldn't have liked to have.

 Quote: Bob Scott

...#4, brother(69) wife doesn't like critters of any sort...but she's ok other wise.
No critters what so ever.
I could never imagine not having a dog...ever!

For me personally there could be no "otherwise" -- Not liking DOGS specifically & all other animals generally would be a Deal-Breaker, period, LOL -- Life without PETS is not worth living, IMHO.