| Adopting
An Older Dog
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When folks begin the search for a family pet they usually have
something pretty specific in mind. They would like a dog that will be a
certain size, gets along well with children or other pets, is well mannered
around the house and fits into their lifestyle. Most assume they will do
best with a new puppy or young adult because the dog is not yet “set in
its ways”. But, in many cases, an older dog would be a much better
choice for a family pet. People dismiss the idea of adopting a “senior” dog (age 8 and
up) for a variety of reasons. Some say it would break their heart to lose a
pet after only a few years. Others cite medical expenses or concerns that an
older pet that won’t play or won’t bond the same way that a puppy would.
Truth is many dogs, particularly mixed breeds, maintain their health well
into their later years. And an older dog is no less loving than a new pup. In
fact, senior ownership is filled with rewards and daily joys that young dogs
simply can't provide until they're older. If the joy of allowing an older companion to live out their
golden years in comfort isn’t enough reason for you to consider a senior
dog, then perhaps the following will illuminate some of the benefits and
dispel some of the myths associated with adopting an older pet. Benefits What you see is what you get With a senior dog "what you see is what you get". Their adult size and general health is readily apparent. Most are past the temperament issues that can be devastating in younger dogs. They are through the puppy and goofball phases and have developed their true personality. Shelters can usually tell you up front if they have medical or aggression problems and what types of homes they will do well in. Better Manners Older dogs are already housebroken; know basic obedience and how to behave in the house and yard. They have outgrown “power chewing” and other destructive habits. Your new couch and backyard flowerbeds will appreciate that. Senior dogs, particularly if they are a bit hard of hearing, are less likely to bark at every little thing and guests won't be mauled in a friendly frenzy whenever they arrive at your door. For those that do need a little brushing up on their manners take heart: you can teach an old dog new tricks. And trust me, their attention span is much better than a young pup’s. All the Fun, A lot Less Work Older dogs love to play and be mentally stimulated just like young dogs…you just don’t have to tire them (and yourself) out for four or five hours a day. Seniors can romp and play with the best of them with one great advantage: they know when to quit! You are also less likely to be catapulted out of the house at walk time, or when another dog, cat, or squirrel crosses your path. And on those days when a walk just isn't possible, they will be a lot more forgiving than a wound up youngster. Tolerant Older dogs that have lived with small children before are far more tolerant of their crawling, tumbling, toddling ways. They are a lot less likely to snap at or jump on children and can be a wonderful introduction to canine companionship.
Common
Misconceptions “I couldn't take an
old dog because it would break my heart when it died.” While
it’s true that you may not have an older dog as long as you would a puppy,
the unconditional love shared during your time together far outweighs the
sadness of losing them. Somehow, older dogs seem to sense they have been
given a second chance and their devotion to their new owners is twice as
strong. And, just because a dog is older doesn’t mean that they are
on death’s door. Consider that the average life span of many large breeds
is 10-14 years and some smaller breeds live an average of 16 years. If you
adopted a dog at 8, she may still have half her life ahead of her! "They'll have health problems and be too expensive." Consider the cost of the first two years of owning a puppy: series of vaccinations, exams, preventative medications, wormers, illness, possible genetic problems, the things they chew and destroy, cost of having them spayed or neutered, toys, multiple size collars and leashes, training classes, etc. It adds up quickly, doesn’t it? Seniors have usually already been altered, are up to date on their vaccinations, and are far less destructive. Yes, they can have health problems late in life and there is no way to avoid these expenses if they arise. But, they are the same expenses an owner would face in the later years of any dogs' life. And with an older dog you are much more likely to know what you are getting into. For example: you may be told up front that they have a little arthritis on their right elbow or they’ve had problems with their left ear in the past. Knowing this ahead of time is far less distressing than discovering your two-year-old Labrador needs hip replacement because of a congenital defect. "We won't bond." Whether eight weeks or eight years old, dogs love their masters. And lets face it…getting a new pet is great fun at any age! Having both raised a puppy and adopted an older dog, I have noticed that my relationship with each is very different but equally rewarding. My bond with my older female is much more of a friendship than the parent/child relationship that I have with the male I’ve raised from infancy. I wouldn’t trade either one of them, but I have found that my older dog is both more obedient and more appreciative of the time I spend with her. I look forward to the day when my younger male “mellows” as well. “If it was a good dog it wouldn’t be in a shelter at this point in its life.” This statement couldn’t be further from the truth. In many cases, older dogs end up in shelters or foster care because their owner has passed away or been hospitalized. If other family members are unable to care for the dog properly, they will frequently surrender the pet in the hopes that it will be placed in a loving home. These loyal companions deserve to live out their golden years in the company of a new family. For more information about adopting an older dog visit your local animal shelter or search online at The Senior Dogs Project or Petfinder.org.
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