What Are The Advantages of Adopting an Older Dog or Cat?

I wasn’t looking to adopt a dog. I was in my sixties, living alone and still working. My neighbor fosters dogs for her friend who is a dog rescuer. She invited me over to meet Lucky, her latest foster and the rest, as they say, was history.

This is Lucky’s story: He was a 13 year old Yorkshire terrier who had lived with his adoptive family since he was 3. They returned him to the pound because “he was too old”. He had one tooth (which he later lost) but was in overall good health as well as a good eater (he could gum that kibble and even steak). A city dog, he loved to walk and had a macho way about him despite his small stature!

I heard his story and knew I had to adopt him. Too old? I was getting up there in years. Would I be abandoned by my family and rehomed as well? Lucky and I were best friends for 3 1/2 years until he succumbed to kidney disease. We walked 3 or 4 times a day and spent hours cuddling on the couch. He was a great companion and I miss him terribly, especially his crooked smile and endearing tongue hanging out! I have been without him since July. But am I ready to adopt another (adult or senior) dog?

Of 7.6 million animals brought into shelters each year, 2.7 million are euthanized, a large portion being adult and senior dogs, according to Dogtime.com. Senior shelter pets are least likely to ever find a new home. It makes me terribly sad to know these poor animals are, frightened, disoriented, and waiting anxiously in their kennels for their families to come back and collect them; and sadder still to know many will never leave the shelter!

Here are 10 great reasons to open your heart and home to a senior pet:

1. Older dogs have manners. Unlike puppies, they have spent years living with a family and being socialized to a life with humans. Most are housebroken and even know some commands.
2. Senior pets are less destructive. There is no need to worry about finding your favorite pair of shoes chewed beyond recognition.
3. What you see is what you get. A senior pet holds no surprises as to how big he may get, whether his hips will be healthy. He comes with his own history which makes his future more predictable than a puppy.
4. You can teach an old dog new tricks. Older dogs are more attentive, can focus on the task, and are more eager to please their humans.
5. You can custom order your senior pet. If you need a dog that is good with cats or children, you’ll have a better chance of finding the perfect companion.
6. You can adopt a purebred dog if you want. If you are looking for a certain breed, there are so many breed rescue groups that can help.
7. Senior pets are great for older adults. Many people find the calm presence of an older pet comforting, and the fact that the pet too may be moving at a slower pace.
8. Older pets are relaxing to hang out with. They are not full of wild energy to burn, and you have more time to do fun things together or just relax.
9. Adopted senior pets are grateful for your kindness. Somehow they seem to know you gave them a home when no one else would. Your pet will show you a level of devotion unique to older pets so that you will form a close bond quickly.
10. You can be a hero to a deserving dog or cat. People who adopt older animals feel a special sense of pride and purpose in opening their heart to a hard to place pet. Doing good makes you feel good!

Every Sunday morning I watch Furry Friend Finder on CBS news. Yesterday, they featured two “teenage chihuahuas” (13 and 14) who they nicknamed the Golden Girls twinning with their tongues out looking for their forever home. I’m just not sure if I’m ready………To be continued…..

Resources

Clear The Shelters

Why You Should Consider Adopting an Older Pet-Healthypets.meriola.com