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A Senior Dog’s Love

Hello, readers! We have covered adopting a dog from a shelter before. But, this week I want to talk to you specifically about adopting a senior dog. From a shelter. From a rescue organization. Or, from an individual looking to re-home their dog.

Senior dogs have a much lower chance of being adopted and need a ‘forever’ home.

Think about it.

Let’s say you’re the average person walking through the dog area of the animal shelter. Or, scanning through the newspaper… or Craigslist. Are you more likely to look for an older dog with his grey muzzle, or the adorable little puppy?

Most are searching for the cutest puppy available for adoption. They’re not looking for a senior mixed-breed dog.

Senior dogs need homes just as badly as puppies do. And most don’t find them.

Many senior dogs had time spent with them, and due to unfortunate circumstances landed at the shelter.

Just like a puppy, a senior dog can become well-bonded to you and your family.

Adopting a senior dog could also save his life.

Shelters are overcrowded, and some will euthanize to clear up space. The first to go are the dogs who are less likely to be adopted. Usually, this includes ‘dangerous dogs’ (like Pitbulls- we’ll discuss this more in another article) and seniors.

Contrary to popular belief, senior dogs are usually not there ‘for a reason.’

They aren’t there because they have been bad. They aren’t there because they’re problematic.

They’re usually there because their owner moved, or they became overwhelmed with caring for them, or maybe they have passed away. There might have been a baby born. Or, a change in their work schedule. There are many reasons a dog might end up in a shelter. Don’t be too fast to judge.

Older dogs are also great for those who don’t have time to train a puppy. Older dogs usually understand basic commands. And, the majority are already house-trained. Depending on how long they have been at the shelter, they might just need some light reinforcing once they get home.

Senior dogs are calmer and less energetic than puppies, too. An adult dog has already developed their personality. So, you’re immediately able to see how well they will fit into your lifestyle. And, in your family.

Most importantly, senior dogs have so much more love to give. And, they’re beyond happy to be in a home with you. They appreciate everything you do.

My last dog, Shelby, was 7 years old when she came into my family. To most, that would be ‘too old’ to adopt a dog. But, she was perfect.

Shelby was a black Pitbull/Lab mix, on top of being a senior dog, so her likelihood of being adopted would be overwhelmingly low in a shelter.

She was black. Strike one. She was a Pitbull mix. Strike two. And, she was 7 years old. Strike three.

Shelby passed away, from a stroke, about this time last year. She was with us for 2 years. And, we shared so many wonderful memories with her during that time.

She wasn’t ‘old’ and ‘tired.’ She had so much life left. We took her hiking. We took her on car rides. Anywhere we went, she went. Happily.

My youngest son was one-year-old, and my oldest was three when she came into our family.

I couldn’t have asked for a gentler dog.

Shelby would snuggle up to both of my kids, very carefully, and lie down. She would play, carefully. And, she would have protected them, and us, if she felt it was necessary despite her age. She still had all the charisma for life a puppy would.

My fondest memory of her is our night time snuggles. She was spoiled. I mean, SPOILED. She always had to be under the blankets, with her head on the pillow. And who ever she was snuggling with, had to have their arms wrapped around her for ‘maximum snuggling.’

I miss her every day, as does my family. She is the dog photographed in this article.

Next time you’re at the shelter or see a senior dog available for adoption, remember they need you too. And, could be an excellent fit for your family.

Thank you for reading. Talk to you again soon.

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