Pet Lovers

[Natureluvr]

My husband mentioned adopting an older dog from the shelter next time we get one. Our current dog is only five but we usually go to a shelter to pick one. He said he always feels bad for the older ones that are in there. I was hesitant to get an older dog, because I become so attached, that knowing it will pass within a few years is upsetting to me. However, I am rethinking this as he has a good point. Have any of you adopted an older dog?

[Group 5 minus 1]

Our Sparky was an older dogw/heart worm disease. We adopted him 'cuz we wanted him to die knowing he was loved and secure. We had him 4 years before he crossed the bridge. We loved him so much and from the day he came to live w/us he was no problem. We made sure he had his own spot(a wire crate) in the family room, not closed and he learned to use the pet doors right away. We miss him so much. We bought a dog stroller so we could take him on walks down the driveway and he knew when

we got that out it was walk time. We still get really sad when we talk about him and right now I am tearing up.

[LindaSal]

My daughter recently"adopted" an older dog but it was from a friends parents.  They had gotten the dog for the grandchildren, then the family moved to another state and they no longer wanted the dog (he's 12) and were going to bring him to a shelter     I know, sad.......well DD was not having it so she offered to take him.  He has some medical issues and has to go for shots often.  But you know he is such a good dog and has brought her much happiness.  They have helped each other, better to have a little brief sunshine in your life

than none at all right?   God bless.

[scatcat]

Thank you for adopting.

My suggestion is to be open to adopting an older dog.  I have volunteered at a shelter for many years. Pets are surrendered for many reasons. An older dog may very well be trained and used to a family.

As far as their shorter life, IMO they deserve a good life knowing they are loved and cared for. I am/have done hospice fostering. Some go quickly, the one we have now has been with us for 2 years. She's doing great.

Losing a pet is never easy.

Good luck and again - thank you.

[drizzellla]

When we get our next dog, an older dog would be the only dog I would consider.

There would be little training. And the energy level would be more on par with us. A puppy is cute and full of energy. An older dog is more relaxed.

We got our dog and he was about 6 years old. He was registered with the AKC but still had numerous birthdate years. He had health issues (partly because the previous owner never took him to a Vet) but you would never have known it. None seemed to affect him once he was treated (even Lyme disease).

I honestly think that he knew he was in a better place, which made him one happy dog. He seemed to enjoy hanging around with us and we couldn't have asked for a better dog to hang around with.

[Another new name Sue]

My concern about an older dog is the possibility of large medical expenses.  Also, when they are older and you wish to travel, it can be difficult to find a caregiver willing to manage the needs of an older dog.  Nevertheless, I hope to do it some day. I think they are mostly wonderful dogs. Someone loved them enough to care for them into old age.

I'm now caring for our beloved 14 year old dog with multiple health issues. I'm grateful to a family member for caring for him when we travel. 

[geezerette]

I won't be getting any more dogs in the future, but if I did it would be an older dog.  I would like to think that the grief I would feel at its loss would be tempered by the knowledge that I gave a loving, comfortable, safe home to an otherwise unwanted being in it last years.

[DSD2]

I think adopting a senior is a wonderful idea!

As others have mentioned, older dogs are usually trained. They are grateful to have a warm couch and a soft bed. Most have known a happy life but were discarded for one reason or another.

Life is precarious for our fur children as it is for ourselves. None of us know how much time we have but the quality of life is the most important. 

Knowing you have can save a life and make their last few years happy ones is so heartening.

Wishing you the best of luck.

[cindyNC]

The oldest dog I ever adopted was an 8 year old rough collie - he was supposed to be a foster but my exhusband took one look at him and wanted to keep him.  The youngest one was a 1 year old german shepherd and she was a handful compared to the other GS I owned. 

My other rough collie was about 2 when adopted from Animal Control (my heart dog). The Portuguese Water Dog was around 5, the Greyhound was 5, another GS was around 2 and the first GS was a stray...guesstimate around 2-3. 

Have never had a desire to own a puppy. 

[Suzeecat]

If you are a "senior", check to see if any shelters in your area have a "seniors for seniors" program.  These programs were started to encourage older adoptions because so many of the senior pets are overlooked.  The shelter may even offer free food and/or medical assistance just so that they pets can be in a good home instead of in their shelter.