A few reasons to adopt a senior dog
Jan 23, 2024
If you're feeling the need for a loyal and loving furry companion, consider the idea of adopting a senior dog. Here are a few compelling reasons why this could be the best decision:
Calm and Less Destructive Nature: Senior dogs tend to be more composed and less prone to destructive behavior. Lacking the boundless energy of their younger counterparts, they are less likely to engage in activities like destroying items, pulling excessively, jumping, or running around. While they still enjoy outdoor activities, walks, and play, they do so with a more laid-back demeanor, spending more time relaxing and sleeping.
Abundance of Love: Senior dogs evoke feelings of joy and love just like their younger counterparts; they are loyal, adorable, and affectionate. Welcoming a senior dog into your home provides it with a feeling of happiness and a sense of security, and in return, your friend will express eternal gratitude. They know that you saved them. You will undoubtedly feel the warmth of your pet’s appreciation.
Saving Lives and Offering Last Chances: Opting for a senior dog means you could be their last chance for a loving family, a warm room, and a comfortable spot on the sofa. Unlike cute puppies who find homes more easily, senior dogs may have never experienced the comfort of a caring family. By choosing to adopt an older dog, you're giving them the opportunity to live out their remaining years of being loved and cherished.
Predictability: Adopting a senior dog provides you with fewer surprises. You'll have a clear understanding of the dog's size and temperament, offering a more stable and predictable adoption experience.
Potential for Longevity: A senior dog does not automatically mean a sick dog. Contrary to the misconception that senior dogs always come with serious health issues, a dog's breed, size, and overall health contribute to its lifespan. Small dogs, for instance, can live anywhere from 10 to 15 years, with some reaching up to 18 years. Medium-sized dogs generally have a lifespan of 10 to 13 years, while large and giant-sized dogs live between 8 to 12 years. By saving a really old dog you are making a miracle. You are providing them with a chance to experience the comforts of home and the love of a family in their twilight years, creating a truly remarkable transformation.
Cost-Effective Adoption: Some shelters may charge less for older dogs, making the adoption process more affordable, or a senior dog can be given without an adoption fee. This financial aspect can be an additional incentive to consider welcoming a senior dog into your home.
Teaching Compassion to Children: By choosing to adopt a senior dog, you not only bring joy into your own life but also impart valuable life lessons to your children. Caring for an older pet teaches them the importance of compassion, responsibility, and the rewards of providing love and care to seniors. You are laying the foundation for a practice that you may come to cherish as the years unfold.