7 Reasons To Adopt A Senior Dog


 

ADOPT A Senior Dog

ADOPT A Senior Dog

Anyone thinking of adopting a dog immediately thinks of puppies. It is undeniable that puppies are warm, cuddly and dripping with cuteness, but they demand patience, training and energy to help them become a member of the family.

According to veterinarians, dogs fall into the old category after the age of 7. Most prospective pet owners shy away from adopting an older dog because of a variety of reasons. The primary reason being, they do not want the time with their pet curtailed too soon.

Approximately 3.9 million dogs enter shelters every year. It is well known that only 1 out of every five dogs born will find a home.

Adopting a senior dog can not only save the life of an intelligent dog, it can also give you the companionship you may not get with a puppy for a long time. Here are a few compelling reasons why you should go for adopting a senior dog.

7 Reasons To Adopt A Senior Dog

7 Reasons To Adopt A Senior Dog

A Senior Dog Has Life-Experience

Dogs in shelters have seen some serious knocks in their time. They are experienced in the ways of man and if well cared for, can be easy for a first-time dog owners. Those suffering with an empty house, can find great solace in bringing home a senior dog companion. They can be great for long, slow walks as they will not be as frisky as a young dog.

Their Personalities Are Established

For those with families, adopting a dog means making sure the dog gets along with a lot of people and children. A senior dog will give you a clear picture of what you are getting into. Take a short ten-minute walk with the dog before making a decision. There is a lot that you can learn in ten minutes about the dog’s personality. You can know if the dog is social, energetic or has behavioral issues. These problems are hard to spot in puppies as their personality is still evolving.

They Are All for Quality Down-Time

That is not to say that all senior dogs are couch potatoes, they just are not as hyper-energetic as a pup or a young dog. They will be more than content lounging by the side of your chair, or under the kitchen table, as you go about your routine. They do not need the round-the-clock stimulation demanded by a younger dog. Your senior companion will happily take a nap with you as you read, or go for a casual walk when you want to, all with the same enthusiasm.

Well Mannered Companion

As the teething and housebreaking routines for senior dogs already are well established, these dogs need very little training. They will not be chewing up your furniture or carpets, nor will they be leaving you little presents around the house to scoop up. A senior dog is less likely to rip through your house, a compelling argument for those looking for a little self-sufficiency in their dog.

They Have Buckets of Love to Give

Older dogs have grown up around humans and are usually longing for companionship, something that was so rudely taken away from them. Adopting a senior dog will guarantee that you have a friend for life. They make instant companions and once a bond is established, will be impossible to part from their pet parents.

They Are Easier to Train

Take the adage “can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, and turn it on its head. It is even easier to train an older dog thanks to their longer attention span as compared to a puppy.

You Are Saving a Life

It is as simple as that. Most senior dogs were usually let go because of an owner moving or being unable to care for the pet.

Adopting a senior dog can be a life changing experience.
Given a chance, these senior dogs can become caring, loving, obedient, and amazing companions for you and your family.

Adoptable Golden photos are from Golden Woofs #Adoptable #GoldenRetriever Pinterest board. Sugar has inspired me to be actively involved in helping Golden Rescue. We featured some Adoptable Goldens last June on our blog and social media. We are happy to report that two of them were adopted.

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Comments

  4. bichonpawz says

    All GREAT reasons to adopt a senior. Both Chloe and LadyBug are considered seniors at ten and nine respectively. There are SO many wonderful seniors that need new homes…great post!!

  10. easyweimaraner says

    I agree with you Sugar and I wish a lot of older dogs and cats will find a new home. Friends will be friends, no matter if they are young or a little bit older.

  11. Peggy Frezon says

    We adopted Brooks when he was 12, and Ike when he was 8. We’ve since discovered that our hearts beat for senior dogs. In our experience they are patient, gentle, lovable and easy to integrate into our lives. As to the reason that people don’t want to adopt a senior because It’s hard to lose them sooner than you might lose a younger dog–I think it’s never easy to lose a dog no matter how long you’ve had them. I wish we had more time with Brooks, but the time we did have was the best!

  17. Victoria Carter says

    Kevin and I have been talking about what we would do when our current number of pets (eight; four dogs and four cats) goes down. We’ve been talking about possibly fostering, since we are used to having so many animals I don’t see why we couldn’t do it again, especially if we are fostering (where vet bills tend to get paid by the rescue we are fostering for) or possibly becoming a forever foster/adopting some senior animals.

    We don’t understand how people can give up their senior pets, especially after the animal has given you their life, can’t you give a couple of years to make sure they are comfortable? It’s mind boggling, and we are grateful that there are groups that do help senior pets and take the time it needs to place them or care for them.

    Yes, it is hard to say goodbye to a pet you’ve had for years, Kevin and I have done that numerous times, it isn’t easy but the pain gets easier to manage with time, and sometimes what helps the most is giving another animal in need of a home the same love and care you gave the one that passed.

  19. Emma says

    If Bailie destroys stuff again today when Mom is away, she might be traded in for a senior model! Seniors are great, we love my senior sis! I think for many a senior dog is a great fit too, but Mom wants a more active dog that she can train from day one to be how she wants her to be, and dog life is so short as it is, she wants as much time with a dog as possible. For now she prefers a puppy, but when she gets even older than she is now (and maybe has less energy herself), she would consider adopting a senior dog for sure. Seniors do rock!

  22. Dolly the Doxie says

    Great advice Sugar! Mom got a puppy (me) because it was the first time she had her own dog. Needless to say, I almost killed her! She will definitely get an older dog the next time she is adopting. Love Dolly

  24. BJ PUP says

    People don’t want to do the work to care for an older. in some cases it’s the medical expenses. I cannot understand how people can be so heartless after the dog has given them his heart.

    When I adopted BJ, I had the size and some characteristics in mind and not an age. When I walked past his kennel, he came bounding i[ and that was it. I got adopted. I was a senior so BJ helped a senior person. BJ is now ccccccccccccgn cx 14 1/2

    When BJ’s time comes, I will adopt a senior dog.

  28. Jessica @ YouDidWhatWithYourWeiner says

    Chester is 12 and he noticeably slowed down this past year. As for “well mannered”….well…he’s a Dachshund so…..

    I can still teach him new tricks at 12 and he picks them up quickly…especially when food is involved. Ha, ha.

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