a family member is going to give up their two lab x retrievers. the dogs are from the same litter, about 8 years old. They are used to a small (and at times, non-existent) yards. They have had a lot of exposure to babies/toddlers/kids. They are well-trained.

So... do I want them? My gut instinct is a big YES YES YES! I love dogs, always had dogs growing up. Since being married we were puppy-walkers for a customs lab for about 8 months. I am also very much an animal person (think Animal Science degree, ex-animal keeper and ex-vet nurse). My husband was talking of getting a dog just last week - I said no as I was imagining a puppy that would be a lot of work. I always said, if we knew what sort of dog we were getting (temperment wise) it would be a different story. These dogs seem like they would be perfect.

About us: I'm a SAHM, with a 2yo. So we are around a lot more than what they are used to (which would be a good thing). We have a good sized suburban backyard (bigger than what they've ever known, but not huge). I am not that fit, but want to be... not sure if I would be able to walk two dogs and my toddler at the same though? My husband is very fit and could, i imagine, easily meet their exercise needs.

I guess my biggest hesitation is $$$$ How much would I be looking at to feed them? To vaccinate them and other routine vet care? Is insurance effective for possible future vet expenses as they get older?

If anyone can help with answers to any of this, I would love to hear them, and thank you in advance!

ETA: I should probably mention that the only pets we currently have are two bearded dragons lol, so there's no issues about them getting on with other pets, altho they are very well socialised.

they are highly intelligent dogs that need lots of exersize. If you feel you can meet their requirements and you want to commit to it i don't see why not.

As far as feeding goes high quality dog kibble is more expensive but lasts longer as you don't need to feed as much.

I have a great dane cross and feed him raw food, which includes turkey necks, beef and lambs heart, kidney and roo mince. I also give him cans of sardines.

he goes through about a 1kg of meat a day and its not that expensive as butchers do great deals. my butcher gave me two whole bags of sausages for $3 and mostly do standard bags of brisket bones for $3. This is great for the dog as its healthier they don't poo as much and they are firm not runny like some cheap products do to dogs and lean meat will ensure the labs don't put on weight as they are prone to do.It aslso builds body mass, rather than fat. Adult dogs only need 1 - 3 % of their body ideal body weight depending on their activity.

One brand of kibble I can suggest if you decide to go with that is eukanuba.

Hope all that helps

My vet charge me around $110 for 2 dogs to be vaccinated and given a health check. I vaccinate 3 yearly and give a monthly heartworm instead of the injection. If you ring a local vet and ask how much it will cost they have standard prices that they should be able to help you with.

Pet insurance - You will need to search around for pet insurance - I think some companies use 6 or 8 years as their cut off and others make you pay a larger excess - for example you wont be able to select the $100 excess policy you may need the $500 excess policy . Google pet insurance and the companies have an online quote system (like health insurance) . We use 1300 health.

Feeding - I cant help you (as my dogs are small) but if you feed a premium food (like Advance, Hills, Eukanuba or Royal Canin for Seniors ect from the vet or petbarn it will help with their health 8kgs is around $60) Otherwise I know alot of people like Supercoat from the supermarket (around $22 for 8kgs) though it doesnt suit my 2 well and makes them pooping machines. A raw bone once a week will keep their teeth healthy and a chicken frame would also be a nice treat for them.

Health - How are their hips? any arthritis? Any chance you can get their current vet to send their files to your vet? They may not have any problems as they get older its just a bit of a guessing game really.

Good luck

When my kids are older I would love to rescue an "oldie" or 2. It is sad when you see them in rescue as the majority of people want a younger dog

As a lab owner, I can tell you that they will still be 'puppies' till the day they cross the rainbow bridge. 12yo is when a lab hits old age.

I'd encourage you to invest in a very good kibble, such as Hills Science Diet, it keeps the dumpage rate low, keeps their teeth very clean, and its got everything an older dog needs (and comes in diet formula for those slightly overweight yellow dogs ).

Definitely investigate pet insurance, and ask for whatever health records the previous owners have kept.

Its also worth spending a term with them at obedience class, it will help the dogs bond with you as their new 'pack'.

I can't help with the cost, but if you're looking for friendly dogs, they're your breed. My mum has a lab/retriever cross and a pure lab. Best dogs ever!

I like the idea.

In terms of costs, I agree to asking your local vet about their charges. From memory annual vaccinations and check up combined for two dogs cost around $300. Depending which option you choose for heartworm treatment you can get an annual injection for another $120 or thereabouts. Pretty much at the end of the day I budget $1000 vet bills and flea treaments and dog washing for 2 dogs a year. I've never used my pet insurance and think it is a bit of a waste of money. I haven't had an older dog as my dog died suddenly last year at age 7. But I think labs are known to be susceptible to arthritis as they age. And labs are also known to love their food a bit too much and can put on weight easily. They are a great breed of dog. I like the suggestion of obedience training to bond. I did that last year with my new pup and it was a really good experience. That cost $80 and was 8 sessions. Then you have council registration. Around $30 per dog. Food varies from brands. But I just recently starting buying the more expensive brands like supercoat over chum or pedigree and have been amazed at how much longer it lasts, and less poo too. I imagine an 8kg supercoat bag of food would last you 2 weeks and that costs $24. I get pet mince from the butcher for $1kg but it has a lot of fat in it. Bones from the butcher are cheap.

-definately get the premium dog food, costs more at the start but lasts longer and dogs seem to poo less.
-training for bonding is a great idea
-I would investigate pet insurance, it has been worth it for us, we just had an operation for thousands, but got it all back, you can get on with high excess so it will kick in if there is a major cost, so keeps the monthly fee down
-can the old owner give you the toys, kennels, bedding etc, will save heaps on setting up costs and will mean they will have their famiiar stuff with them
- have you had a chance to walk them and interact with them?
-they are a great breed and if you truly want a dog and can committ to one of you taking them for a daily walk then go for it

good luck

My lab cross goldey is a beautiful girl-if not a bit naughty if she gets bored. Very good with the kids and gets on well with our other dog and even the cat!
I think we pay about $70 for the annual needles-no more than $100 anyways, plus the flea and worm control which would be about $40 a month maybe for one dog?
Food watch their diet they may get a bit tubby otherwise.