Why You Should Adopt A Senior Dog
By: Samantha Selman
Tags: Anecdotes, Adoption, Senior Dog, Animals, Love

You Still Get “Firsts” With Them

You still get to experience all the same “firsts” that you would with a puppy; first birthday together, first holiday together, etc. It may not be your dog’s first time experiencing one of these special occasions, but it will be the first time you get to experience them together, and that’s something worth celebrating. When you adopt a senior dog, or any dog, you often times don’t know what they’ve experienced prior to coming into your home, and because of this, these “firsts” will be exciting. This is why Happy is spoiled and gets basically whatever she wants. It’s my excuse as to why she gets so many special treats for every holiday (and almost every other day of the year).

Happy on Christmas morning

You CAN Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

The saying you can’t teach an old dog new tricks is something that I believed to be true for the longest time, until one day, Happy finally learned how to sit, and then shake a paw, and then she learned down, and high five… I was shocked! Senior dogs still want to learn. Learning these tricks has given her such a boost of confidence and gets her brain working. Happy may be basically deaf, but her nose works great and she will do absolutely anything for a treat.

What You Get is What You Get

This can often times be true when you adopt a senior dog. Their personalities are developed and they know what they like and dislike a.k.a. there are fewer surprises. They are likely to be socialized around humans and possibly other furry friends too. It’s important to remember that transitioning into a new home and a change of routine is stressful for any animal, but generally seniors adapt quicker. Happy was pretty shut down when I brought her home, and it took MONTHS before her true personality shined through and revealed the goofiest, silliest, most stubborn, and loving gal.

Happy sitting in the sun after going swimming

Senior Dogs Are Just as Loyal And Loving

They are also just as eager to please their humans. All they want is a safe place to call home, a warm bed to sleep on, delicious food, and love from their humans.

Happy on the couch wanting belly rubs

Adopting Happy has taught me a lot, and one of the biggest things, as cheesy as it sounds, is to live everyday with her like it could be her last. I don’t know how much time we will have together, and the thought of that scares the shit out of me. This is why I smother her with kisses, butt scratches, snuggles, and tell her I love her at least 50 times a day.

I never understood how special the bond between a dog and a human could be until I met Happy. In the two years that I’ve had Happy, there have been a lot of health scares and there will probably continue to be, and she may cost me hundreds of dollars a month on her numerous eye drops and medications for her heart and lungs, but it’s all worth it to ensure she’s happy and healthy. I get to wake up every morning to Happy’s farting butt in my face for years to come.

Snuggling with Happy

If you are considering adopting or even fostering, please consider a senior dog, as the love they have to give is indescribable and they will be forever grateful for you as you are for them.