Why consider adopting an older dog?
Whilst young dogs are sometimes brought into rescue because their owners have found them too boisterous or difficult to train or because they chewed things up when left, older dogs rarely come into rescue for those reasons.
Older dogs may be given up due to a variety of reasons:
Their owner has died or had to move into residential care where dogs aren’t allowed.
Their owner can’t afford to keep them.
The owner has decided they would prefer to get a younger pet.
Their owner has had a baby and the dog has struggled to accept the baby or the owner no longer has time to care for the dog.
The owner’s working hours have changed and the dog is being left for too long.
They are no longer needed for breeding.
The dog was born in the shelter.
Advantages of Adopting an Older Dog
• Less likely to be destructive when left and past the stage of chewing things you'd rather keep whole.
• Often settle very quickly and gratefully back into home life.
• Likely to have lower exercise requirements than a younger dog, but this doesn't mean they are a lazy option.
• Often a more suitable option than a young dog for people who work part-time or in some cases even full-time if someone pops home at lunchtime to give the dog a comfort break.
• It’s very rewarding seeing any dog relax in your company and enjoy its new home, with older dogs you often get a real sense of relief and gratitude from them —especially if they have spent time in kennels before coming to you.
Lots of older dogs adapt surprisingly well to change. It can be very rewarding to watch a lethargic older dog, who has been missing out on exercise because its owner had been too unwell to get out for a walk, develop muscle tone, fitness and a joyful spring in their step when a new owner gently reintroduces walks.
Another positive about adopting an adult dog is that what you see is what you get. Ever heard the saying, “What’s on the label is in the tin?” With older dogs, that’s often the case. Their personality? It’s out there for you to see—no guesswork involved. Older dogs already have formed personalities and there will be less surprises as the dog is full grown and his or her temperament is already shaped. Mature dogs that came from difficult experiences may need more time to open up to new owners, but they are still capable of giving unconditional love to the new owners and may simply take a little longer time to feel safe and secure with the new family.
Most mature dogs seem to know when they've been given a second chance, and the love and devotion they lavish on you is almost embarrassing!
The playful antics of a puppy are undeniably cute, but the temperament of an older dog is transparent and predictable. Whether they’re calm, spirited, or somewhere in between, you know exactly what you’re welcoming into your home.
While they still love a good romp in the park or a playful tug-of-war, older dogs generally come with a side of chill. Their energy levels are often more balanced.
So, if you’re imagining serene walks and peaceful evenings without the non-stop action of a puppy, an older dog might just be your speed.
It’s a tough world out there for older dogs in shelters. While puppies often fly out the doors, the seniors can find themselves waiting, and waiting some more. By choosing an older dog, you’re doing more than adopting; you’re saving a life.
Many face the heartbreaking reality of extended shelter stays or worse. By giving them a home, you’re granting them the love and security they’ve been yearning for.
All in all, adopting an older dog isn’t just about bringing a pet into your home. It’s about understanding, compassion, and the joy of second chances.
Providing a Senior Dog with a warm, loving, and caring home, can ensure that the remaining years of that dog’s life is filled with happiness and joy. For some, they have only ever known neglect and pain and still remained loyal to the day they were rescued. Wanting to give and share that same level of love to a new and adoring family, a senior dog will not only change your life but will change theirs too.
Because people naturally flock to puppies and younger dogs for adoption, senior dogs tend to be left behind. This makes them spend most of their golden years at a shelter when they could be enjoying it just like the younger dogs. Not to mention that some don’t get to be adopted and end up living at the shelter until their death.
By adopting a senior dog, you will be saving the dogs through the provision of the comfort of a home, companionship of others, and happiness from being cared for and loved. Also, as the hero, you get to have many snuggles, licks, and appreciation from your older dog in return. Besides, one less senior dog at the shelter, one more free space for another dog to get rescued!
Overall, it’s safe to say that by adopting a senior dog what you get back is worth more than its weight in gold.
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