Jackie, I agree with you. We, too, are retired people & have to think of the future for any new pet we get. So we've decided that our next forever Tibetan Spaniel will be a Senior Rescue Dog.
The one we would have liked to take was called Grandpa Joe...but he was in Sydney, a long way from where we live. He's about 12 yrs old, & was taken to the pound after being found straying & lost & in poor condition. Now he's in a happy home in his home city. You can see this sweet happy old fellow at: http://www.aussieTibRescue.com/Joe.html
Some dog shelters are now keeping lists of Senior Dogs for people preferring to take on a dog in need but with a shorter life span.

Lots of pats for Perry & Daisy.