On the nightly network news, I heard another sad story regarding pets left behind in our national foreclosure disaster. As you know, shelter are overflowing with unwanted pets and some hard decisions are being made regarding who stays and who will be “put to sleep.” Before you go to adopt a younger, more lively pet, please take  minute and think about how an older pet would fit into your life. When I say “older,” i meazn any animal over the age of 7 years. At that point, they are considered senior, but believe me, most have alot of love and bounce still in them.

Here from the Senior Dogs Project are some of the reasons to consider an older pet. They are referring to older dogs, but older cats should also be considered. Remember that cats age even more gracefully than dogs.

1. They won’t chew inappropriate objects like a puppy will

2. They are housetrained!! Big plus right there for most people

3. Older pets can focus well(paying attention) because they’ve mellowed and can learn quickly

4. Older dogs hace learned what “no” means.

5. Older pets settle in more quickly. They have leasrned how to gt along in a household

6. Older pets are good at giving love. They are grateful for the second chance they have been given

7. What you see is what you get! That older pet has grown into what size and personality he will be. No surprises taking a small dog on and having it turn into a much bigger dog than you had expected. 

8. Older dogs are instant companions, ready for a car ride, a walk or whatever you want to do

9.Older pets leave you to have time for yourself, unlike young animals who want every minute of your time.

10. In closing, they let you get a good night’s sleep because they are accustomed to human schedules and don ‘t generally need nite time feedings, comforting and potty breaks.

So maybe that dog in the shelter is a little gray in the muzzle, but inside that heart is a yearning for a second chance at a family. In exchange you will get loyalty, companionship and comfort in knowing that you made a difference in a dog’s life and also in your own.

Tags: benefit of adopting older dogs, benefit of older dogs, older dogs, overcrowding in shelters, rescuing older dogs