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

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.