The Joys of Adopting an Older Dog
Older dogs offer the best of both worlds. Most of the time, these dogs are already trained (housebroken) and are ready to give a lot of love. When it comes to having a loving pet in your home, an older dog can offer you loyalty, love and companionship. In addition, there are many perfectly good older dogs that have fallen on hard times and need a loving home. This is the reason that so many people decide to head to the local shelter and rescue a more mature dog.
If you are still not convinced that you need an older dog for your home, consider the following:
Adopting an older dog is responsible. When you go to a breeder to buy a puppy, you are contributing to the already crowded pet population. Have you seen how many older dogs are in dire need of a new home? These dogs are the result of irresponsible pet ownership and when you take one of these loving animals home, you are giving an animal a chance at life. You will be rewarded with a pet that will give you a lifetime of companionship. Besides, a cute little puppy will grow into an older dog soon enough. They will not always be small and cute.
Older dogs like to play as much as puppies. If you think you want a puppy because they like to play and older dogs don't, then think again. Older dogs still want to play and get exercise just like younger dogs. Sure, they may not move as fast or want to play as long, but somewhere inside that mature dog is a playful pet waiting to come out. Take some time with an older dog and throw a ball a few times or take a walk around the block. You can be sure that an older dog will not wear you out like a puppy would!
Older dogs do not take as much time as puppies: When you adopt a puppy, you might feel like you are signing your life away. Puppies will give you sleepless nights and accidents on the floor. When they get a little older, you will want to spend the time training your dog. An older dog will not require as much training time as a puppy. Most older dogs have had some sort of training and while it will take a few days for the new dog to learn your home and family, your dog will probably already be house trained and know basic commands. If not, you will find that they will learn very quickly.
Older dogs will not cost you a lot of money. In fact, when you adopt an older dog, you will not spend any more than you would on a puppy. When you adopt from a rescue organization, you will probably pay a fee that covers the dog's vaccinations and spay or neuter. You can adopt at most shelters for a very small fee and you will only have to pay for the spay or neuter, if this has not already been done. While you may have some vet bills to pay for an older dog, this does not cost any more than you would pay for a puppy. When you adopt a puppy, you will pay a large sum to the breeder, then you still have vet bills for vaccinations and spay and neuter. Then you will want to pay for training for your new puppy.
Older dogs usually make good family pets. If you have children, you can adopt an older dog and have a good idea of the dog's personality before you bring it home. At a shelter, you and your children can spend time with the dog before adopting. An older dog already has a personality, so you can get a good idea if the dog barks a lot or jumps. When you adopt from a rescue organization, most animals are kept in private homes. This means that the organization can work with you to know whether or not the pet would do well in your home. They already know quite a bit about the dog, so you can know you are bringing the right pet home.
Adopting an older dog is a very good choice for many people. You will feel good knowing that you are doing the right thing and saving a life when you bring an older dog in your home. Take some time and visit your local pet rescue organizations and animal shelters to see what kind of dogs are available to you.
Published by D. Miller
Freelance writer/editor, mother of two, volunteer for pet rescue View profile
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2 Comments
Post a CommentOur dog is now nine. She adopted us when she was about three. She was housebroken, though initially terrified to come inside. My son was 15 months old when we were adopted and our dog immediately took it upon herself to guard him. She must have had some mistreatment earlier in life, as she gets skittish when my son runs around the yard swinging sticks (usually in pretend sword fights) and does not like water except to drink, even when it tops 100 degrees. She is just the best dog. She doesn't bark unless something needs our attention. She rarely licks. She thinks she is a lap dog, even though she is almost 70 lbs! She protects us fiercely, but knows who our friends are and lets them into her heart, too. I HIGHLY recommend people adopt older dogs!
Great article. I have adopted a few older dogs and they were terrific.