Why Choose a Senior?

Old Man Nick's first walk along the Truckee River after being rescued.

The emotional and physical benefits of canine companionship are well documented.  When you adopt a senior, you get these benefits plus the added bonus of knowing that you are giving them a second chance.   

I often hear people say, "You know... I have never any considered adopting a senior, but it is a good idea."  They go on to list traits like, house broken, knows basic commands, low maintenance, as reasons a senior dog makes sense.  For all the resources a puppy requires, they could never offer as much love and appreciation as a senior in need, and seniors require half the effort. 

So why is it so hard for shelters to adopt senior dogs?  Many amazing senior dogs will have their lives spared and just as many citizens, young and old, will have their lives enhanced by animal companionship.

We believe there are some common misconceptions that keep people from adopting senior. If you are considering adopting a senior dog, or have any questions, please contact us.

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Senior Dog Myths

1. Increased Medical Costs - Many believe adopting a senior means more trips to the vet and costly procedures.  Anyone who has raised a puppy will attest that unexpected medical costs are inevitable at any age. 

There are some steps you can take to avoid medical expenses.  First, always adopt from a reputable shelter.  Although it may be tempting to rescue a poor animal off the street or from a friend of a friend on Facebook, shelters will provide a thorough medical examine, and help treat any ailments that dog may have.

2. Low Energy - While it's true that many seniors will be ready to turn for home after just a short walk, that can be breed specific.  The high energy breeds, like Labs, will still have an engine that does not want to quit. 

If you are a person who wants to take long hikes, or have  jogging partner, don't count out all seniors simply based on age. 

3.  They Will Die Too Soon - I must admit, whether they have been with you for a couple months, a couple years, or their entire life, it is never easy to let go.  But once the pain is gone, I always know I would never trade a minute of the time we had together in order to avoid the suffering of their loss. 

Senior dogs are loyal, caring, and intuitive companions who deserve a place to call home and a pack of their own, no matter how much time they have left on this planet.

Senior Dog: By Definition

How do you know if a dog is a senior? Does he/she display "Seniority"? Traits like: short walks in the morning, long naps in the afternoon, loves to snuggle, has a grey muzzle, and generally prefers people to puppies. 

For us, senior status is more than just a number. Dogs as young as 6 years old are statistically less likely to be adopted from traditional shelters and therefore qualify for special consideration from those of us who appreciate the qualities of a mature companion.   

Why Senior is My Favorite Breed

1. A short walk in the morning is enough to necessitate a long afternoon nap.

2. After living this long, a senior dog understands the word 'no'.

3. The sound of a senior dog snoring next to you makes for a very restful night. 

4. Senior dogs always get a lot of attention when they are out in public. 

You Might Like a Senior Companion If...

Do you find yourself saying, "I would love to have a dog, but..." Many who utter this phrase do not realize that a senior dog could be the answer.  While you're at home lamenting the fact that you can't have a dog due to lack of time, there is a senior dog sitting in a shelter who would love to have whatever time you had.  

Many dog lovers who live in apartments, or work long,  hours feel like they would be neglecting the play and training needs of a puppy, and that is probably true.  It is much different with a senior dog. 

Seniors want nothing more than a quiet place to nap. Just a short walk in the morning and many seniors are ready for a restful day at home. For the most part, they come pre-trained and are quick to adapt to new house rules. 

A shelter full of barking dogs is hardly an attractive alternative for a calm senior. People who want the well documented benefits of dog companionship, but lack the time or space for a puppy, would do well by themselves, and a loving creature in need, by adopting a senior dog.