Senior hounds make wonderful companions
10 Reasons to Adopt an Older Dog
Puppies get a lot of attention, but older dogs have so much love to give. Here are the ASPCA’s top 10 reasons to give a senior dog a home.
1. What You See Is What You Get
Older dogs are open books. From the start, you’ll know important things like their full-grown size, personality and grooming requirements. All this information makes it easier to pick the right dog and forge that instant love connection that will last a lifetime. If you’re not so into surprises, an older dog is for you!
2. Easy to Train
Think you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Hogwash! Older dogs are great at focusing on you, and on the task at hand, because they’re calmer than youngsters. Plus, all those years of experience reading humans can help them quickly figure out how to do what you’re asking.
3. Seniors Are Super-Loving
Adopters of senior dogs describe the love these dogs give in the most heartfelt ways, and people who adopted dogs already in their golden years say how devoted and grateful they are. It’s an instant bond that can’t be topped!
4. They’re Not a 24-7 Job
Grown-up dogs don’t require the constant monitoring puppies do, leaving you with more freedom to do your own thing. If you have young children, or just value your “me time,” this is definitely a bonus.
5. They Settle in Quickly
Older dogs have been around the block and have already learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack. They’ll be part of the family in no time!
6. Fewer Messes
Your floors, shoes and furniture will thank you for adopting a senior pooch! Older dogs are likely to already be house trained, and even if they’re not, they have the physical and mental abilities to pick it up really fast (unlike puppies). With their teething years far behind them, seniors are also much less likely to be destructive chewers.
7. You Won’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew
Some people who yearn for a dog of their own hold back because they worry about what might happen in their lives in the years to come. A puppy or young dog can be anywhere from an 8- to 20-year responsibility. Giving a loving home to a dog in her golden years is not a less serious commitment, but it can be a shorter one.
8. They Enjoy Easy Livin’
Couch potato, know thyself! Consider a canine retiree rather than a high-energy young dog who will run you ragged. Older dogs still need exercise, but they’re not going to need, or want, to run a marathon every day.
9. Save a Life, Be a Hero
At shelters, older dogs are often the last to be adopted and the first to be euthanized. Saving an animal’s life offers an unparalleled emotional return on your investment, and you’ll feel the rewards every day you spend together.
10. They’re CUTE!
Need we say more?
Adapted from the ASPCA’s “Top 10 Reasons to Adopt an Older Dog.”
Meet Our Senior Hounds
Many of our adoptable hounds are older dogs ready for a soft place to land.
