TOP 10 REASONS TO ADOPT OLDER DOGS

  1. Loyalty, Loyalty, Loyalty!
    Chances are good that by adopting a senior dog, you have rescued a wonderful, loving canine from an untimely, unfortunate and unwarranted death. A senior dog can sense that he or she was saved and will be eternally loyal to his or her new forever family.
  2. Ease Of Guardianship
    Senior dogs are mellow, relaxed and ready for a new home. They are past the puppy chewing and destruction stage and usually come with basic training. Most senior dogs are happiest sitting at your feet or curled up in their bed next to yours.
  3. No Huge Lifestyle Change
    You don't need to worry about puppy proofing your house and constant training. (“No! Drop it! Not yours!") And older dogs let you get a good night's sleep!
  4. Stress Reliever
    Life today can be very hectic. Studies have shown that animal guardianship can decrease blood pressure levels and reduce stress. Senior dogs enjoy leisurely walks, which will encourage you to exercise for even a few minutes on your busiest days.
  5. WYSIWYG (“What you see is what you get.”)
    Senior dogs are full-grown and their personalities are completely developed. When you meet with your senior dog, you will know what kind of wonderful, loving canine he or she is and will always be.
  6. Doggie Wisdom
    Senior canines have learned many of life's lessons. They know, for example, that shoes are for walking and bones are for chewing.
  7. Calm, Cool & Collected
    Most senior dogs do not demand the time and attention that a younger dog does and are satisfied with casual walks and cuddling. Many senior dogs snooze the day away inside while you are busy at work and are waiting calmly at the door for you when you return home.
  8. Old Dog, New Tricks
    Senior dogs can learn new tricks and be valuable family and community members. They also make excellent therapy dogs.
  9. Companionship For All
    Senior dogs makes wonderful companions for everyone, especially senior people and busy professionals.
  10. Save A Life
    Senior dogs are often the first to be euthanized. Passed over for cute and cuddly puppies, they often have little chance to be adopted.

Sources: Senior Mutt Match (www.seniormuttmatch.com); The Sanctuary for Old Dogs (www.sanctuaryforseniordogs.org); The Senior Dogs Project (www.srdogs.com)