Adopt a Senior Dog
Bucky, a 10 year old dog, saved by adoption
Photo © Bill Garbett
November is Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month, a time to educate the world about how wonderful older animals are, and to encourage the adoption of senior pets. Older dogs are among the hardest pets to adopt out. Sadly, many of them live out their "golden years" behind cage bars.
So often, those who visit rescues and shelters in search of a new dog are immediately drawn to puppies. Sure, they are adorable, but you don't really know what you will end up with. Unfortunately, after puppies grow up, some owners decide they are bigger than desired or not the right kind of personality. Other owners no longer wish to care for a senior pet, and these dogs can end up homeless.
Senior Pets are Often Overlooked
People are often hesitant to adopt a senior for fear of ending up with a sickly pet, but most senior animals in shelters and rescue groups are quite healthy. Another reason is that they do not want to think of bonding with a pet that might not live long. Dogs are technically considered "seniors" at age seven, but most live until 12-15 years of age (or longer). So, adopting a senior dog does not necessarily mean that your days together are numbered. Potential adopters also worry that their new pet will be set in his ways and might not behave appropriately. However, this is not the case. So many homeless senior pets once lived in a home and are often housebroken and somewhat trained. They are also likely to be less hyperactive and better socialized than young dogs
Living With Senior Pets
Adopting a senior pet is a kind action and a rewarding experience, but it is still important to understand that senior dogs do have special needs. Fortunately, the extra care is usually minimal - it is often just about prevention and awareness. Older dogs may become a little less active in time and some develop arthritis, but these are things that are often simple to handle. So, next time you decide to adopt a dog, consider making it a senior dog. It will change your life forever.
Comments
The problem is the end of life vet bills. My senior dog just died. I paid about $4k in vet bills the last 6 months of her life. I am hesitant to take that on so quickly again!
Thanks for a great article. Owning a senior dog can be an amazing experience, but unfortunately as you mentioned many people are hesitant to adopt a dog into their golden years. No matter what age of dog you adopt there is no guarantee on health. Just because a dog is older does not mean a short life. You can have many many happy years together.
As dogs get older and face some of the same challenges we do as humans, do not worry because there are many great products out there to help you and your dog enjoy their golden years. Dog strollers, dog diapers, dog wheelchairs, ramps, steps and the list goes on and on.
So the bottom line is when it is time to adopt I would rather people select the dog that they have a connection with and not get too caught up on how old the dog is. Older dogs are wise and know who they are so you will find many advantages to bringing one (or more) into your family.
Thank you for a great article. Eighteen months ago a senior dog wandered into our yard with no tags or other form of id, perhaps dumped by his previous owner. Our local ACO posted the required notice in the newspaper and no one came forward to claim him. We decided to keep him. He has severe hip dysplasia and cannot go up or down stairs on his own. It has been a challenge but we have all adapted. From the start he has been a sweet and wonderful companion and we would do it again in a heartbeat. It has been a most rewarding experience.
Our companion is thirteen years young and is our best bud. Originally adopted as a young pup from our local SPCA, he is in good health for his age. He’s had surgeries over the years but thank God we could afford the vet bills. Nothing like $4K yet between $500 & $1K that gave us some financial worries. I would adopt an older dog next time before I consider a puppy. My 78 year old neighbor across the street adopted an older dog who’s turned out to be a wonderful, loyal and smart companion.
I lost my 10 year old Golden a year ago. At the time I was taking care of my Mom, so I didn’t even consider another pet at that point. But, soon after my Mom passed away I had the opportunity to adopt a senior dog, whose family was moving away and couldn’t take her.
Winnie is an 8 year old beagle/terrier mix with such love and personality! She has brought joy back into my home. She did have a few issues, such as barking…a lot, but we’re working with that and we’re at the point now where if I just look at her, she stops! Who says old dogs can’t learn new tricks!