Adopt a Senior
It Takes a Long Time to Get This Sweet
Many times Rescues bring in dogs that are well past their prime. For one reason or another, they are no longer wanted and find themselves dumped at shelters or worse yet, wandering the streets. Yes, they may be nearing the end of the road but they deserve to spend their final days feeling safe and loved.
The senior dogs are often the last to be adopted. Their younger counterparts are snapped up while these good ‘ol boys (or gals) wait patiently for a forever home. Put yourself in their paws for a moment and think about what it was like in school to be the last one chosen for dodge ball. You knew that you deserved a chance to play but maybe were the last to be picked. It was devastating. Why not consider opening your home to a senior dog needing a final home before crossing the rainbow bridge?
Senior dogs are seasoned canine citizens. Chances are, they’ve had some obedience training and they’re much more likely to have some manners. For an older dog, a leash means ‘Hold still so Mom can clip it to my collar and take me for a nice walk’ instead of ‘Oh YESSS! Jump up on Mom! Now jump some more!!!!’ They are very happy to walk beside you enjoying the sites and smell as opposed to dragging you along behind as fast as you can follow them much like the Marmaduke cartoons.
Senior dogs have figured out that shoes, throw pillows or for that matter, your favorite sofa are not chew toys where as all of these items are fair game for a puppy. Their motto – if they can put their mouth around it then it must be a chew toy! Most senior dogs come house-trained (although they might need a little patience as they adjust to a new home) and are usually good with free roam while you are gone. They are more likely to be calm with small children and less prone to sudden moves that could knock over a child.
For Seniors, napping is a number one priority and they are happy to wait until you have settled in from a long day’s work before needing to go outside. They are perfectly happy to follow you around the house until its time for a walk unlike a puppy who may immediately require an hour-long run. While they are happy to see you, they don’t show it by jumping up on you.
Trish adopted Maggie, a beautiful Great Dane at the age of 8. She shares, “Maggie was nearly 10 years old and was the love of our life. Even though we had her for only 17 months, she had such a special place in our hearts. We were so lucky to be able to share this last year with her and reap the benefits of such a wonderful soul.”
Trish and her family were not afraid to adopt an older Dane that was in her golden years and they were blessed by it. Won’t you consider opening your home and heart to a dog that may be considered over the hill but still has a lot of love to give?
Check out the seniors currently in rescue.
