Reason #1 Adopt a senior dog!
You can save a life!
There are too many senior dogs at shelters waiting for second chances, and often will be the first to be euthanized simply because of their age. Let that sink in. Discrimination? Yes, of course it is. How is this possible? Senior Dogs are the best!
Martin is a senior dog ready to be adopted at http://www.carefordogs.org/en/adopt/
Let’s think about how these senior pooches end up in a shelter to begin with:
- Sadly it could be the death of their caregiver, and maybe there is no friend or family to take them in.
- Another could be a family welcomes a new family member and no longer wants the responsibility.
- Financial hardship, or just too expensive in general could also lead to a surrender of a family pet
- A pet could have become aggressive or be showing destructive behavior
- Barking too much, disobedience, or hyperactivity issues
- Maybe the pet has grown bigger than they expected
- People move away and leave their pets – Wrong!
- People want to ‘trade up’ for a younger dog – Also terribly wrong!
- If a older pet has medical issues that people cannot afford, or just don’t want to be bothered with – Sad.
There are many more instances why people find giving their dog up to a shelter is warranted, but for their loyal friend, there will never be a good enough reason to be abandoned.
There are also countless rescue organizations nowadays to adopt a dog from, some are even breed specific if that is your thing.
So, remember this, you can be a hero for a senior dog! You can adopt an older dog and give them a dream end to their life, however long that may be. Let them live out their final days, months or hopefully years, with love and dignity.
If you are ready to save a life, reach out to your local shelter, or beyond, to change the future of a senior dog that needs you. And please focus on the high kill shelters first, these should be the top priority and need quick action. Thank you in advance for saving a Senior Dog, and may you share years of happy memories together!
If you are not in a position to adopt a dog, please consider volunteering or donating to a rescue near you.
* As reported by the ASPCA:
Over 6.5 million pets enter animal shelters every year in the U.S., 1.5 million of them are euthanized, where only 1.6 million are adopted.
Little do people understand how a senior dog can be the absolute best choice. Why you ask?
Watch this space for reason #2, coming soon…
I’ve owned numerous dogs in my life, and I agree that senior dogs are the best. They are loving, require little in the way of time or attention (although they crave both and deserve as much as you can give), tend to be quieter and less demanding, and will shower you with affection for the rest of their days.
I’ve always adopted from shelters until I reached Thailand and wound up adopting a “soi dog” (stray). She has always been a delight. Just keep in mind, adopting a dog is a HUGE responsibility. If you’re not willing to understand and fulfill the obligations of a “mom” or “dad”, don’t even begin. But the benefits you gain in return are more than worth the time and effort invested.
Hi Michael,
Yes, I couldn’t agree more! Since living in Thailand I’ve rescued and adopted 4 dogs, 3 being seniors.
I’m so glad you also have your rescue baby and hope you have many wonderful years to spend with each other.
Which brings us to Bolo, talk about commitment – he’s 26 this year and we’ve had 17 years together!
I hope you’ll get some enjoyment reading about our ups and downs and maybe learn something new or of interest in your journey with your loyal canine!
Thanks for the comment and please keep reading! 🙏