Senior dogs are often overlooked in shelter and rescue situations for one reason – they are old. With age can come issues with mobility, hearing, sight and other common concerns. But dogs in or approaching their golden years must not be dismissed. Turns out, there are several amazing reasons to adopt a senior dog. The benefits far outweigh any minor health issues they may have, and when you earn the love of a senior dog, you’ll understand how truly special they are.
Reasons to Adopt a Senior Dog
Senior dogs are incredibly special. They are wise, less demanding and an absolute joy to have around. Below are some other great reasons to adopt a senior dog.
They are lower maintenance than puppies.
Puppies are cute, but they sure are a TON of work. A senior dog will come into your home already knowing so much about the world. Older dogs are calm, mellow and wise, making them less maintenance than a puppy or young dog. More often than not, senior dogs are trained and ready to make excellent housemates.
They have so much love to give.
Senior dogs have lived a while by now, but they still have endless unconditional love to give. It seems that senior dogs are capable of giving an immense amount of love no matter what they’ve been through. And they deserve all of that and more in return.
They are grateful.
Senior dogs at shelters and rescues are some of the most grateful creatures. Whatever put them in that position was traumatizing, and they will be especially grateful for another chance with a forever family.
They are already grown into their personalities.
You always know what you’re getting with a senior dog. They’ve grown into their personalities, and it’s not likely that things will chance much. When you get a puppy, you have no idea what you’re getting yourself into. But when you adopt a senior dog, you already know what their demeanor and general characteristics are.
They most likely know basic training commands.
There’s a good chance that the senior dog you’re interested in adopting already knows basic obedience tricks such as sit, stay and down. That’s work that you don’t have to do! You can focus on teaching your pup new tricks instead! After all, it’s a complete myth that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
They are probably potty trained.
Most senior dogs are already potty trained. Potty training requires a lot of work and commitment. Can you imagine adopting a dog that’s already potty trained?! That’s pretty excellent. You can focus on the fun things instead!
Great for low energy homes.
If your hobbies include lounging around, watching TV and taking naps, you have the perfect home for a senior dog! Senior pups make instant companions when it comes to relaxing. They will love cuddling up with you, and they won’t even judge you for all that Netflix binge watching.
You are saving a life.
When you adopt a senior dog, you are saving a life. Senior dogs are at the highest risk for euthanasia because they are “the least adoptable.” You are absolutely saving a life when you choose to adopt a senior dog. Plus, it’s always better to rescue a dog, rather than buy one. Older dogs tend to stay in shelters longer, but they need homes as badly as young dogs, if not more. Dogs begin to deteriorate the longer they’ve been in a shelter environment.
I personally believe that senior dogs are often overlooked because people want their dogs to live for a long time. People fear having to deal with death to soon. And look – I get it. But it’s just not fair to the babies who need homes. Our senior dog, Penny, is 12, but she could have another five years ahead of her with the proper care and love!
Next time you’re interested in adding a furry companion to your home, I urge you not to look passed the older dogs. Their hearts are full of love, and they make instant, gracious family members.
As you can see, there are many invaluable reasons to adopt a senior dog. Have you ever adopted an older dog, or do you currently have one at home?
I adopted 2 senior chihuahuas, one was 18 the other 10. I had them for a little more than 5 wonderful years. They definitely were into their personalities, but were not potty trained. I did potty train them on pee pee pads. I loved those 2 dogs to death and they loved me!
That’s so wonderful!
That’s great. But can you tell me you adopt senior dogs experience. Especially, their health issue or feeding rules and regulations.
For me all 8 reasons makes perfect sense. I am always amazed how calm, friendly and grateful can older dog be. Not only to new family members-owners, but also other dogs. They can still teach us a lot! Old but Gold!