Today, thousands of senior dogs are in need of homes. Unfortunately, due to a variety of circumstances, senior pets are often left behind. For example, when owners relocate, become ill, have children, etc., it is quite common for the pets to remain behind. Sometimes these dogs are forfeited to an animal shelter, or sadly dumped on the road to fend for themselves until they are rescued and/or find their way to an animal shelter. The good news however, is that these dogs make wonderful companions. In general, these dogs are just looking for someone to love them and give them a nice home. Life in an animal shelter as a senior canine is less than optimal. Most days are filled with loneliness and stress. Adoption is even tougher because most prospective pet parents tend to choose puppies and young adult dogs as opposed to seniors. Sadly these people miss out on all the good things these senior dogs have to share.
Benefits of Senior Dog Adoption include:
1. They are low energy compared to a puppy or young dog, so they need less exercise.
-They enjoy slow leisurely walks in the park and in most cases you won’t have to worry about getting dragged the entire time.
-Generally aggressive interactions with other dogs are not an issue as most seniors are already socialized.
-Senior dogs don’t cut new teeth and have passed the destructive phase in life.
2. They are great for elderly people! They get you up and moving and give you a reason to wake up. This is a lifelong companion who depends on you and with whom you can enjoy your days.
-Senior dogs also bring to the table exactly what they show. They won’t be growing or getting any bigger, what you see is really what you get. In addition, their temperament and personalities are already established so for the most part, you won’t have any surprises.
-Most senior dogs are also trained and easily adapt well to their new surroundings. Therefore introducing a senior pet into your home is generally easy, low stress and won’t interfere with your personal time!
3. Because most senior dogs are already trained, you don’t have to worry about going to obedience classes, crate training or potty training!
-Most senior dogs are already spayed and neutered and most from an animal shelters already have been fully vaccinated, therefore veterinary costs are usually minimal.
-Senior citizens usually receive an additional adoption discount from the animal shelter or rescue facility.
