Jun 20, Senior Dog Adoption -- Perfect For a Slower Lifestyle

Have you ever thought about senior dog adoption?

Here are some reasons why you should seriously consider it.

Many families looking for dogs to adopt tend to look first at puppies or young adult dogs.

But it's not uncommon for them to fall head-over-heels for a Golden Oldie (eight years of age or older).

And no wonder--they're sweet, loving, and totally charming!

Are you a Golden owner thinking about adopting a second dog, but you're afraid another young Golden would just be "too much"?

Are you a senior citizen yourself and need a canine companion that will match your slowed-down lifestyle?

Adopting a dog in his senior years may be just what you need!

Most Golden Oldies still enjoy going for walks, retrieving, and swimming.

They just prefer doing so at a slower pace and for a shorter period of time.

Senior Goldens are also a great choice for individuals or families with busy schedules.

A quiet, gentle walk in the morning and evening, and a restful day spent snoozing and waiting for their owners to return, are often all an older dog desires.

Golden Retrievers mellow as they age (if they weren't already mellow to begin with!).

They're gentle with children (as my nephew found out when he petted Peaches in this photo).

Most of them even like cats, other dogs, delivery people, and neighbors strolling on the sidewalk.

They're also a terrific example for younger dogs in the household.

I think Peaches helped Molly, our white Husky mix, grow up with a calmer approach to life.

When you adopt a senior Golden Retriever, his size, personality, temperament and behavior in various circumstances are clear and present for all to see. No surprises. What you see is what you get!

Senior Golden Retrievers are almost always housebroken. Just show them the door and where to go potty, and they'll figure it out in no time. Older dogs let you get a good night's sleep--unlike puppies! Golden Oldies will keep you laughing with their mature, yet playful, Golden sense of humor. Senior dogs are not like teething puppies. They're content to gnaw on a chew toy or rawhide and ignore everything else.

They know how to get along beautifully with everybody in the family, including other pets. Peaches and Molly liked to be together, as this picture shows. You can teach an old dog new tricks! Seniors have a much longer attention span than puppies, and they've often had some obedience training, too. Senior dogs have learned what "no" means. In fact, you'll probably have fun learning how extensive their vocabulary actually is. Seniors are economical. Most dog adoption centers carry out full medical evaluations, heartworm tests and any other testing that might be required, as well as making sure every dog is spayed or neutered. Even after all that, the fees for senior dog adoptions are usually considerably less than for a puppy. They also don't eat as much as young dogs--another cost savings! Senior dog adoption means instant companionship. Your new buddy is ready for hiking, car trips, and just about anything else you like to do. He probably already knows how to walk politely on a leash and enjoy a car ride.

But senior dogs will also allow you time to yourself, not demanding your undivided attention like an energetic young dog. In her senior years, Peaches (shown here) was content to snooze at my feet while I worked at my desk. One of the strongest Golden Retriever traits is loyalty. Senior dogs may miss their old owners, but they're quite adaptable and will quickly transfer their loyalty to their adoptive family. It won't be long before you'll feel like they've always been there.

Golden retrievers can live as long as 15 years with proper care and veterinary support. They may still have several good years left when they find themselves at animal shelters.

How did they get there in the first place? Perhaps they were cast off by families who wanted a livelier playmate.

More likely, their devoted owners either passed away or had to move to a place that didn't allow dogs.

Many senior rescue dogs have often known the heartbreak of loss, the fear of abandonment, and the anxiety caused by pain or hunger.

But what they know best of all is how to make you feel totally loved.

All they want is the chance to be your friend. Peaches (pictured here with my daughter Tracy) was that, and much more, to our whole family.

The sense of satisfaction and joy that senior dog adoption brings is unequalled.

Although you may not have as many years with your Golden Oldie as you'd like, those years will be full of loving companionship and sweet memories.

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