Rescuing Shelter Dogs: Reasons to Consider Adopting an Older Dog

I have been rescuing older dogs for nearly ten years and although I won't deny that puppies are cute, I will always choose to adopt older dogs, instead. By older, I am referring to dogs who are at least four years of age, mainly because dogs in shelters who reach this age or older become more difficult to place into loving homes since most adopters generally gravitate toward the puppies.

Some advantages to consider in adopting an older dog include the following:

First of all, what you see is what you get. That little pup may grow into a 170 pound dog over time. An older dog is finished growing for the most part, so you know what size dog you have.

Often, older dogs are in shelters, not because there is something wrong with them, but more commonly, due to relocations, divorce, or allergy problems in their former homes.

Most of them, if they were kept inside, are also already house-trained, and know basic commands. Puppies will not know any of these things. You, the new owner, will have to teach them.

Many puppies also go through that frustrating "chewing" stage. This can mean that bringing a new puppy into your life may ultimately result in replacing boots, furniture, carpets, mattresses, and your sanity.

Puppies also need a lot of time and attention. A new puppy will need to be left out to relieve himself after waking up, after eating, and after playing. This is basically every time you turn around. Very young puppies may also need out in the middle of the night for the first few days or weeks after they are brought into your home. Accidents are common because their bladders are small, they are eating and drinking a lot because they are growing so quickly, and their brains aren't fully developed enough to always remember. Frequently they are so busy being puppies that they often don't realize until it is too late, that they had to go. (A lot like toddlers!)

Every older dog I have ever taken into my life has slept through the night. All I needed to do was show him/her where to sleep. Older dogs, especially shelter dogs, are often so appreciative of not having to rest on concrete that they lie right down and sleep peacefully.

Many people hesitate to consider older dogs because they don't want to take on someone else's problems. I won't deny that you need to do your homework. If you need a pet that is already housebroken, or medium-sized, or needs to get along with your cat, draw that line. Most shelters will provide you with as much information as they can regarding the dog's background and habits. All available dogs are pre-screened, and aggressive dogs are not adopted out. Rescue organizations that foster pets in homes until placing them into permanent families are ideal because in those cases, you will be adopting a dog who is already people and other-pet socialized. Breed organizations exist for virtually every breed of dog, and most of these organizations foster their charges.

Regardless of the situation the pet has come from, once he/she is placed into a new and now loving home, these pets thrive and readapt to the lifestyles of their new owners and routines surprisingly well.

Rescuing an older dog may also save you some money. Puppies need a host of immunizations, are more prone to ailments, and will also need to be spayed or neutered. Many older dogs are already altered and will come with their yearly shots already updated. Just by the fact that the dog is still alive is a credit to his/her health. Many puppies are too young when purchased to accurately determine genetic diseases, or other possible ailments.

But perhaps the best reason for adopting an older dog is that you will essentially be saving that pet's life. Sadly, thousands of ideal pets are euthanized weekly across the US. I have adopted five dogs in the last ten years. Two of them were over the age of nine when I took them in and I had each of them for four more wonderful years. It is highly rewarding caring for an older pet who has started to slow down a bit, but it can also be expensive, especially if it is a larger breed with age-related medical conditions.

If you have children, or want a more lively companion, consider a dog around the age of four or five. Children can more easily bond to an older dog whose personality is already developed. Also, if you are able to, consider adopting not one, but two dogs. Dogs, like all creatures, including people, enjoy the company of their own kind. Watching them play together or cuddle up with each other doubles the rewards of adopting a single dog and also more adequately socializes your pets for when they encounter other dogs.

Adopting any pet is rewarding, but adopting an older dog is frequently less life-altering, more rewarding, and certainly more manageable for today's busy families.