Thinking about adopting a pet? You may overlook an older dog or cat in favor of a young, energetic pet. However, there are many benefits to adopting a four-legged senior!
- Think about why the pet lost their home. Too many older dogs and cats lose their happy homes because of the death of an owner, a relationship ending, or a change in owner lifestyle. Just because a pet is at a shelter doesn’t make him a behavior problem or a bad pet. My dog Moose was surrendered by his owner because he was “too stubborn”. To me, that says the owners couldn’t take the time to train him properly.
- Most senior pets are already housebroken. There may be a few accidents as your new pet gets used to your schedule and routine, but you don’t have to worry about starting from scratch like you would with a puppy or young pet.
- Most senior pets are already trained. My first dog, Miko, came home from the shelter at the ripe old age of seven (usually the start of the senior years in dogs) and surprised us with a repertoire of tricks that very night! He sat, shook hands, begged, and spoke… without even being asked.
- Most senior pets are already socialized. Your pet’s personality is set by the time he is a senior; you don’t have to worry that he’ll suddenly switch from being loving to being hostile, unless he is ill. Miko had his particular ways of interacting with new people and other dogs, and I didn’t have to worry too much about introducing him to dogs at the park or new adults.
- You aren’t going to be surprised by a cute older dog growing into a hundred-pound monster. Your senior pet is fully grown and you don’t ever have to guess how big he’s going to be.
- Senior pets tend to be mellow and easygoing. They are past the excitable energy of puppy or kitten-hood and are perfectly happy to relax at your side after a long day. This doesn’t mean your senior pet will be boring! But they may not demand as much attention as a younger pet.
- You don’t have to worry about puppy-proofing your house. Your senior pet already knows about appropriate chewing, play, and sleeping spots.
- Love and loyalty! A dog who has gone from a loving family to a shelter situation will be very happy to return to a family home.
- Old dogs can learn new tricks! Miko learned to respond to my hand signals and whistles. The old saying isn’t necessarily true.
- Value life at all ages, not just the early years. An older dog or cat needs love just as much as a younger one does — maybe more, because they have lost their first families and may be overlooked at the shelter or rescue. The few years I had with Miko… I wouldn’t trade them for anything.