Old Dogs Need A Love Too
Why an Old Dog
Adopting an old dog can be much easier and more rewarding than buying a puppy. When looking for a new dog, most people will likely overlook an old dog in favor of a cute, cuddly, constantly moving puppy. There is nothing wrong with that. However, most people fail to appreciate that senior dogs make great and grateful pets.
Old dogs may not stay with you as long as a young puppy, but senior dogs also need love, attention, and caring companions. Most will become your steadfast friends. Giving a home to an older dog is the best thing you can do as a true dog lover.
Why Senior Dogs Are Overlooked
There are many misunderstandings about adopting an older dog. Besides its shorter life span, an older dog is a potential financial burden because it may require more medical attention. Older dogs are more susceptible to developing diseases, but being playful and young does not guarantee perfect health. And even young dogs will someday be old dogs.
Senior dogs are incorrectly believed to be less capable of bonding with their new owners. While this may be true for some unique cases, such as dogs that have been badly abused, it is not necessarily the case for all aging dogs. Even abused dogs will often grow to be affectionate pets. An older dog will only take a little time to build a close bond with someone who loves them. Once you have established trust and confidence, you and your dog will develop a close bond. And bond very tightly, indeed.
Why Adopt A Senior Dog
For one, you can save yourself some training headaches. Old dogs have already exhausted the energy of very young, crazy puppies. Many senior dogs, seniors being seven years old, still have several years of energy left to spend. But, with senior dogs, you won’t have to buy a new couch or suffer through months of cleaning up pee and poop.
Senior dogs make great pets for children and older people alike. They do not demand as much attention as a puppy. They can tolerate the antics of small kids and provide the company adults are looking for. They know better than to bark at everything or jump up on people. And they have, more or less, outgrown any aggressive tendencies. They will quickly adapt to your routine and lifestyle.
Senior dogs seem to understand they have been given another chance at a good life. And they will be eager to reward you for that. They tend to be very loyal and dedicated to their owners.
Senior Dogs For Senior People
An old dog offers an ideal solution for seniors who feel they shouldn’t commit to the years-long responsibility a puppy will bring. Because older dogs have a shorter remaining lifespan, their senior owners don’t have to worry about someday leaving their older dogs behind for someone else to adopt.
Where to Find A Senior Dog
Finding an old dog to adopt may be the easiest thing to do. All you need to do is visit your local rescue shelter. There you will find dogs of all ages and descriptions. Many bulletin boards, newspapers, and websites will have ads from people who need to find a new home for their dogs.
Adopting a senior dog is a selfless act of love. All dogs deserve a loving home, but senior dogs are especially entitled. Adopting an old dog is, without a doubt, a rewarding experience. Not only will you get a very loyal companion, but you also get a dog that will stick around with you for as long as it can.
More Reason to Adopt An Old Dog
Adopting an older dog has several benefits you may not be aware of. One of the most significant reasons is that when you adopt a senior dog, they truly understand the magnitude of your kindness and devotion. Puppies, like children, naturally assume that it is your job to take care of them, but adult dogs can better appreciate the love and care you provide [1].
Senior dogs are also typically calmer, less destructive, and easier to manage than puppies. They are already house-trained, so you won’t need to spend time on toilet training or cleaning up accidents. Additionally, older dogs are generally more predictable in behavior, making it easier for you to gauge their temperament and adjust to their personality.
Another reason to adopt an older dog is that they often have a more challenging time finding homes. Many potential adopters are drawn to the appeal of puppies, leaving older dogs overlooked and spending more time in shelters. By choosing to adopt a senior dog, you are giving them a second chance at a loving home and greatly improving their quality of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, adopting an older dog provides them with a loving home and has several advantages for you as the adopter. They are more likely to appreciate your care, are easier to manage, and allow you to make a real difference in a dog’s life.
