Many people stick with cute, hyperactive puppies when considering to adopt a dog. What few people appreciate though is that senior dogs are much easier and much more rewarding to take care of. True, they don’t stick around that long, but they are not much of a problem either.
Why People Don’t Usually Adopt Senior Dogs
There are many misconceptions around adopting old dogs. On top of not having plenty of time to stay with the adoptive family, old dogs are considered financial burdens because they require plenty of medical attention. But what dog doesn’t? Older dogs are more susceptible to developing diseases, yes, but being playful and young does not guarantee perfect health.
Senior dogs are also believed to be less capable of bonding with their new owners. While this may be true for some cases – such as for dogs that have lived with abusive families – this is not necessarily the case for all aging dogs. It only takes time for them to build and close that bond. Once you have established its trust level and confidence on you though, it would be much easier for you and your dog to bond. And bond tightly, you will.
Why You Should Adopt A Senior Dog
For one, you can save yourself a lot of troubles. Old dogs have already exhausted the energy of very young, crazy puppies. Don’t get it wrong. Many senior dogs – senior being 7 years old and above – still have several years left of energy to spend. Nevertheless with senior dogs, you need not spend extra on a new couch or endure months of housebreaking.
You can also enjoy the company of a calmer, less aggressive, and more tolerant pet. Senior dogs make for great pets for children and old people alike. They do not demand as much attention as their younger counterparts do and they are more skillful at human interaction. They can forgive the transgressions of small kids and provide the comfort adults require. They know better than to bark at everything or jump at people, and they have, more or less, curbed their aggressive tendencies. To top these off, they also have the skills to adapt to your routine and lifestyle.
Adopted senior dogs seem to understand that 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.
For people who can’t commit to a lifelong responsibility, a senior dog offers a very ideal pet. Because they have shorter remaining lifespan, their owners don’t have to have to turn their old dog away.
Finally, adopting a senior dog is a selfless act of love. All dogs deserve a loving home, but senior dogs are especially entitled to one that is fit for retirement.
Adopting a senior dog, is without a doubt, a very rewarding experience. Not only would you get a very loyal companion, you also get a dog that will stick around for as long as it can.
