No dog should end up homeless, but there’s something especially heartbreaking about the number of senior dogs occupying our shelters. Those grey muzzles and gentle, milky eyes belong at the center of a loving family. Those creaky joints and stiff legs deserve the comfiest beds. Sadly, according to the ASPCA, older dogs have significantly lower adoption rates than their youthful counterparts. That’s why, in honor of Adopt A Senior Pet Month, we’re here to tell you about the advantages of adopting a senior dog.
Senior dogs are calmer and less demanding
By seven or eight years old, dogs are well past their reckless puppy and teen-age phases. These wiser canines often make low-key companions who fit well into a quiet lifestyle. Though they enjoy an outing as much as ever, most older dogs need less exercise to stay healthy and content. They sleep more and are happier to spend time at home, so their care is less physically demanding. Senior dogs also tend to make leisurely walking companions, which means less tugging on the leash, too!
You know what you’re getting when you choose a senior
It’s true that senior dogs can be set in their ways. However, it’s not true that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. It just takes a little extra patience. Their staunchness brings a major advantage: when you adopt a mature dog, you adopt a fully-developed individual and not a bundle of potential. In other words, they are what they are. Because of this, you’re reasonably sure of what you’re getting.
All dogs require time to adjust to new environments. While mature dogs may need more time to adapt to a new routine, they also require less training overall. They’re generally already housebroken and socialized to a home, which means they settle in quickly. You won’t have to deal with puppy teething, so destructiveness is minimized. Older dogs are also usually leash-trained and often understand the basics of obedience.
Older dogs make affectionate pets
Adopters will tell you that senior dogs seem to know they’ve been rescued and are quick to bond with their new humans. They’re delighted to be in a family once again, and they show their pleasure by being extra cuddly. In general, older dogs seem to crave human touch, so if you want a super-snuggly couch companion, a senior may be your best bet. Sure, they have their quirks, but those idiosyncrasies are what make these love-bugs so entertaining!
Adopting a senior dog is deeply rewarding
Whatever their age, every dog adopted equals two lives saved, because it makes room for another dog to be pulled from a high-risk setting. But when you consider how long older dogs wait and how often they’re overlooked, choosing them not only makes you their hero, it makes all the difference in the world. Most rewarding of all, whatever they’ve been through, from now on they can have their best life ever as a member of your family. Look for available seniors.
