 | Have you ever considered adopting a dog - what about an older dog? Older pets are actually a better match for some people, including older people! Here are the top 10 reasons for considering the adoption of a senior dog: |
1. Older dogs are house-trained. You won't have to go through the difficult stage(s) of teaching a puppy house manners and mopping up after accidents.
2. Older dogs are not teething puppies, and won't chew your shoes and furniture while growing up.
3. Older dogs can focus well because they've mellowed. Therefore, they learn quickly.
4. Older dogs have learned what "no" means. If they hadn't learned it, they wouldn't have gotten to be "older" dogs.
5. Older dogs settle in easily, because they've learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack.
6. Older dogs are good at giving love, once they get into their new, loving home. They are grateful for the second chance they've been given.
7. What You See Is What You Get: Unlike puppies, older dogs have grown into their shape and personality. Puppies can grow up to be quite different from what they seemed at first.
8. Older dogs are instant companions -- ready for hiking, car trips, and other things you like to do.
9. Older dogs leave you time for yourself, because they don't make the kinds of demands on your time and attention that puppies and young dogs do.
10. Older dogs let you get a good night's sleep because they're accustomed to human schedules and don't generally need nighttime feedings, comforting, or bathroom breaks.
2. Older dogs are not teething puppies, and won't chew your shoes and furniture while growing up.
3. Older dogs can focus well because they've mellowed. Therefore, they learn quickly.
4. Older dogs have learned what "no" means. If they hadn't learned it, they wouldn't have gotten to be "older" dogs.
5. Older dogs settle in easily, because they've learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack.
6. Older dogs are good at giving love, once they get into their new, loving home. They are grateful for the second chance they've been given.
7. What You See Is What You Get: Unlike puppies, older dogs have grown into their shape and personality. Puppies can grow up to be quite different from what they seemed at first.
8. Older dogs are instant companions -- ready for hiking, car trips, and other things you like to do.
9. Older dogs leave you time for yourself, because they don't make the kinds of demands on your time and attention that puppies and young dogs do.
10. Older dogs let you get a good night's sleep because they're accustomed to human schedules and don't generally need nighttime feedings, comforting, or bathroom breaks.
Now of course not all of the points mentioned above will be true for every dog. But one thing will be very true and a huge advantage. A reputable rescue will have temperament tested the dog. You will know if it likes or dislikes other dogs, cats, women, men, children, etc. And this will help to assure that the dog you are interested in is in fact a good match for you, your family and your lifestyle. That way everyone involved in the process can have confidence that this adoption will result in the dog being placed in his forever home.
There are several rescue and welfare organizations that specialize in placing senior animals. There are also special programs that match senior citizens with senior animals that will fit their living situation and even assist with the costs of owning an animal. If you are interested in learning more about senior dogs or these match programs please refer to the Rescues for Senior Dogs section.
There are several rescue and welfare organizations that specialize in placing senior animals. There are also special programs that match senior citizens with senior animals that will fit their living situation and even assist with the costs of owning an animal. If you are interested in learning more about senior dogs or these match programs please refer to the Rescues for Senior Dogs section.
