As far as I’m concerned, you only need one reason to adopt an old dog – there’s no greater feeling in the world than rescuing a senior who ends up in a shelter later on in life. 

If you need more, keep reading.  

It is difficult to find the words to adequately convey how I feel when I bring a senior dog into my home, and into my heart. I’m proud of being a compassionate person, someone who knows their main purpose in life is to care for homeless and abandoned animals. The fact that my soul is nourished by being the guardian of dogs in their golden years, makes me proud.

Alright enough about me.

Let’s talk a bit about why animals of any age end up in shelters.

It’s Not Because They Have a Problem or Are a Problem

Humans surrender (sometimes dump) animals for a variety of reasons, some valid, most not but all heart breaking. Any behavior issues are a direct result of no/inadequate training, socialisation or enrichment on the part of the owner.

Excuses (sorry, reasons) Why Animals End Up in Shelters

• No time
• Change in work schedule
• Kids off to college and no one left to care for the animal
• Change in lifestyle
• Moving and no pets allowed
• Not cute anymore
• Doesn’t match the carpet (yes it is a reason heard at a shelter I volunteered at)
• Doesn’t get along with the other dog/pets
• Wife is pregnant
• Misbehaving
• Guardian died and no one else is willing or able to take the animal
• Can’t afford the vet bills
• Leaving an abusive situation
• Illness/lengthy hospital stay/nursing home

A Bit of a Rant

Of course many of these reasons are legitimate, and I can’t help but feel sadness for anyone forced to part with a much loved companion. The rest are copouts. I may sound harsh, but that’s the way it is. Pets are seen by many as disposable, when they’ve had enough they return them much like a sweater they don’t care for anymore.

I volunteered for a long time at a local shelter, and heard the excuses. I will never forget watching a woman casually dump her cat because of “allergies” then play with the cats in the cages. She probably got more emotional returning a pair of shoes.

This picture is of my heart dog Red. Dumped at a kill facility at the age of 8, the no kill shelter where I volunteered in Florida rescued her. Someone had allowed her to become obese and blind, with eyes bulging out of her head and in pain from glaucoma. They did me a favor because she was the sweetest, most good natured dog you’ll ever want to meet. I was so lucky to share 9 years with her. 

Okay, So What’s so Great About Adopting an Old Dog?

It’s good for the souls

It’s good for your soul and good for theirs. For me this is the best reason.

Old is not dead

There is something about the images words like “old” or “senior” bring to many a mind. Shrivelled up, dried up, shuffling along, sleeping all day, can barely move.

You and I may not see that, but sadly many do.  

I was at the beach yesterday and watched a beautiful 9 year old Staffy run like a lunatic, chasing a stick and having the time of her life. Because of her age she was “classed” as a senior, but there was nothing remotely old about that girl.

What you see is what you get

I have literally lost count of the number of times I’ve heard people tell me, their dog is much bigger than they expected or wanted. When you adopt mature animals there are no mysteries about what their adult size, personality, energy level, or grooming needs will be.

Trained

A senior dog will likely have some training, and that includes housetraining. He may have forgotten some of it due to circumstances, but a few days (if that) in a home with a schedule and structure, and he’ll remember everything he knew.

Look at it like this…the chance to do a bit of training will be a great bonding opportunity, and provide him with some mental stimulation.

Your possessions will not be mistaken for chew toys

A senior is well past the destructive chewing phase, so your favourite chair legs should remain intact.

Find your match

One thing that isn’t taken into consideration often enough, is a dog’s energy level. I’ve been meeting all kinds of super high energy seniors lately, so if active is what you want, you’ll find a senior to suit. If you’re more of a quiet stroll in the park type, you’ll also find your perfect match.  

This picture also taken in Florida, is of Red and another dog we adopted called Bailey. He too was dumped in the same shelter. He had mobility issues as well as Cushing’s so it’s possible the owner couldn’t afford the bills or didn’t want to deal with him and his health problems. I have no idea but again, they did me a favor because he ended up in a great home, although sadly we only had him a couple of years before he died of pancreatitis at the hands of incompetent vets. Yes I tried to sue them, but  lost. The vet staff lied but the veterinary authority will never turn on one of their own. I was basically told I couldn’t win by that governing body when I asked how to lodge a complaint, but I tried anyway.  

They fit right in

Mature animals often have an easier time fitting into a home that includes other animals, because they learn and respect boundaries more quickly and are eager to bond with their new families. I must add this brief thought – it’s natural for any rescued animal to need some time to adjust, so please give them that time.

You’ll save a life

Older dogs are often overlooked in shelters, and believe me it’s sad to watch. With puppies and kittens killed every day in shelters across the country, what chance do you think an older dog has of making it out of there alive? How wonderful to have the opportunity to, literally save a life.  

You’ll enjoy uninterrupted sleep

Unlike the puppy that has to go out during the night for pee breaks and cries because he misses his littermates, your old dog will get himself settled in his new bed and sleep.

Unending gratitude

In my experience they know when they’re being given a chance at happiness, and they’re grateful for it.

A friend for life

No explanation needed.

I’m a Cheerleader for Senior Dog Adoption, but I’m Also Realistic

Handling less than desirable behaviors

As I just mentioned, shelters kill healthy and adoptable puppies and kittens without batting an eyelid, how long do you think a badly behaved dog would last? Because of that, it is unlikely you will adopt one with serious issues. Having said that, there are obviously older dogs that don’t get along with other dogs, so that will be an issue that needs to be handled…and it can be!

Adopting from a foster based rescue means their dogs are living in homes, training and behavior issues are being addressed, and you’ll know their likes, dislikes, and anything that may need brushing up on.

Housetraining issues

Your dog may have a few housetraining issues at the beginning. That doesn’t mean he wasn’t trained, it just might mean the shelter was short on volunteers, so he had to pee and poop in his kennel.

The day I brought Red home, she peed in her brand new bed. How was she supposed to know she was going to be taken out often enough? It didn’t take her long to figure that out.

Some dogs have never been house trained, so you will need to teach him or her, and of course pee pads are a carpet saver in the meantime.  

Surely they’ll have health problems!

Old does not mean sick, old means they’ve reached the number that says “senior.” Many old dogs are in great health, and many young dogs are not.

A couple of months ago I fostered an 11 year old who had no health issues, and I’m currently fostering another 11 year old whose only problem was dental and it’s now been sorted! 

On the other hand Jack, the first young dog we’d ever had, underwent major spinal surgery after becoming suddenly paralysed at the age of 4.  

See, no guarantees!

Expense

There’s no sugar coating this topic. Vet bills are extremely expensive, as are many medications.

If health insurance is not an option for whatever reason, here’s one quick tip I have for you. Choose a denomination of coin or bill, and at the end of each day take all of them out of your pocket or wallet and put them in a jar, to be used strictly for vet bills. You’d be surprised how quickly it adds up.  

I also wrote a few articles on ways to save money and where to get help paying vet bills should you need it.

20 Ways to Save Money on Vet Bills 

Where to Get Help Paying Your Vet Bills 

15 Money Saving Tips for Senior Dog Parents 

This picture is of my current foster dog Milo. He’s 11 and is house trained, super sweet, very affectionate, great with dogs and loves to walk…a lot! The only medical issue he had was he needed dental work which has now been taken care of. 

If you Can’t Adopt Can You Foster?

If taking on the responsibility of a dog full time is not something you can do at the moment, would you consider fostering?? Shelters and rescue groups are in desperate need of foster homes, and you can choose the length of time you’re available.

Fostering not only gets a dog out of the kennel for a chance to live in a home, it also frees up space so another dog can be saved.

Did you know they cover all the expenses? They pay vet bills, give you food, medication, bowls, blankets, beds, toys…anything you need. Should you wish to help with any of those expenses it’s always welcome of course!

Why Should You Adopt an Old Dog?

Because no old dog deserves to die alone on the concrete floor of a kennel.

 

I’m excited to announce my new Senior Dog Care Support Service.

I offer 1:1 support on everything from health & wellness advice and training tips, to preparing to say goodbye and grief counselling. You can find details on all the packages I offer by visiting the Senior Dog Care Support Service page. If you have any questions or would like to book your FREE 15 minute chat, please email hpearson141@gmail.com