Dean,
Dad at 85 thought he didn’t want another puppy. Teddy is almost two now and Dad is keeping active at 87. We are heading to Gamecreek in NJ in about a month for four days of hunting. That’s Dad last year with my nephew. Get the pup, it’s like a fountain of youth.

You can always adopt too

Dean, from one septuagenarian to another, don't think in terms of dying before a new pup does. Think of outliving the dog, and humbly laying it to rest. Our thoughts shape our actions, and our actions influence our lives. My goal is to kill a limit of doves on my 100th birthday, October 13, 2051. In the end it really doesn't matter if I succeed in fulfilling that goal, I will likely live longer, and more fully, because I tried to.

Get the pup, brother. You will both be better because you do.

The Nike logo: JUST DO IT!

Dean;
I lost Parker in Nov last year and knew it was coming as he was 14. Fox is around 14 and she is showing her age too. So am, I but at 74 I won't hesitate to get another dog. Got one in the works now and hope to have him ready this fall. My good buddy and I made an agreement that if either one of us precedes our dogs in this life we will take care of each others dogs.

Stan;
Great goal to be shooting doves at 100. My Dad did it until he was 96. My grandson's bday is also on Oct. 13th,:) just a few years later than yours

Dean, no one should be alone. You know in your heart that having dog is an antidote for loneliness and is good for the body and soul. You deserve to put some of that joy back in your life. Do it.

I agree with everyone else Dean,you've had a rough go ...you don't need to make yourself feel any worse ,a new pup will occupy your mind and give you something to look forward to

We lost 9 1/2 year old "Gunny" on July 1, 2022. Worst loss I had ever experienced. I told my wife that I didn't have another pup in me. Let's face it. A pup is hard work especially that first year.
So...a few months later I made the huge mistake of "checking in" with our favorite Griff breeder in Wisconsin. All of his 2023 pups were spoken for (phew). I told him I wanted to put a deposit on a 2024 litter just in case I changed my mind. He called two weeks later and said someone had backed out of a commitment on a pup in 2023.
So here's a picture of "Fish" waiting at the bell by our front door along with 6 year old "Arcas". Today is "Fish's" birthday- 1 year old today...and he's the class clown. We love him! He even pointed his first few woodcock last October.
But follow your heart...we, on this discussion thread, are all hopeless hunting dog lovers. I will say those pups keep us moving which helps us live longer!

I'm a huge fan of adoption/rescue. Both of my last 6 dogs have been rescues and the next one will be too. My late, great, Parker was one of the best bird dogs I ever had. If I had a farm and was wealthy I would have dozens of rescues. I'm not saying don't buy from a breeder but there are so many hunting dogs that need a home and have been abandoned.

Our first dog was a rescue and was an excellent hunting dog and family dog.

If Dean gets a Brittany, we'll volunteer to rehome it if it outlives Dean.