Adopting a Senior
 
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Many people think of a puppy when going out to adopt a dog.  puppies are warm, cuddly and cute, but they also demand patience, energy and training to become a family members and companions.  Older dogs are also cuddly and most come already with the qualities of a family dog and faithful companion.  Yes, your time with an older dog is shorter and that painful time of losing him is closer but it makes every day special.  Senior dogs lose their homes for many reasons and it usually has nothing to do with problems with the dog but with the people who own them.  It is not uncommon for a very expensive well-bred dog to out live the usefulness with people who brought them on an impulse and not longer want the responsibility of taking care of them.  Other reasons an older dog may become homeless are: death of caretaker, not enough time, new baby, change in work schedule, moving, allergies and the future spouse does not like dogs.

Reasons to Adopt a Senior Dog

  • Senior dogs are housebroken.

  • Senior dogs let you get a good nights sleep as they generally don't need nighttime feedings and "potty" breaks.

  • Senior dogs have learned many of life's lessons.  Generally they have had some training both in obedience and house manners.  They have learned the meaning of "NO" and how to leave furniture, carpets, shoes and other chewables alone.

  • Senior dogs love to sleep and cuddle the day away.  They let you finish the newspaper but are also an instant companion, ready for a hike, ride in the car, walking on a leash, fetching or whatever you want to do.

  • Senior dogs often fit into your household with ease.  They have been socialized and have learned what it takes to be part of a pack and to get along with humans and in most cases other dogs and in some cases cats.

  • Senior dogs are a "known commodity".  What you see is what you get.  You know how big they will get, how much grooming is needed and best of all they are easy to assess for behavior and temperament.

  • Senior dogs can learn new tricks.  Sometimes they are easier to train than puppies because they have learned what "No" means and also have learned what is generally expected of him.  He is calmer and quieter than a puppy and able to focus better on what your are trying to teach him.

  • Senior dogs make excellent companions for everyone.  The senior dog is ideal for a household with young children as the dogs temperament is known and house training and obedience training are done.  The senior dog also makes a great companion for a senior citizen as they can both "hang" out together.  studies have shown that petting a pet also lowers blood pressure and people that have pets recover from surgery faster.  Senior dogs also make great therapy dogs.

  • Senior dogs have a tremendous amount of love to give.  They are grateful for the second chance they have been given.  When you rescue a senior dog you have a best friend for live and nothing matches the love a senior dog has for his rescuer.  Adopting a senior dog saves a live.  Senior dogs often go to shelters and are the first to be euthanized because they are passed over for puppies and must go to make room for puppies.  By adopting a senior we can make a statement about the value of life at all ages.  Just as a puppy has it's whole life ahead of him, a senior has the rest of his life ahead of him.

Miss Shelley adopted at age 11 1/2