Why You Should Rescue a Senior Dog
Are you looking for a new furry friend to add to your family? If so, you’ve probably heard the saying, “adopt, don’t shop.” While it is true that adopting is a great way to give a dog in need a home, you should consider adopting an older dog rather than a puppy. Here are seven reasons why you should rescue a senior dog.
They Need a Home Too
Many families and soon to be pet owners get excited about adding a puppy to their household. However, many senior dogs are left in shelters while small cute puppies woo shoppers. Older dogs deserve a home, too, and provide just as much cuteness.
Seniors Are Low Energy
Raising a rambunctious puppy is exhausting. They require a ton of attention and time dedicated to getting all that puppy energy out of their system every day. If you’d rather have a relaxed, low maintenance pet, adopting a senior dog is the way to go.
They’re Independent
Not only do puppies require plenty of attention to get their energy out, but they’re also still learning how to navigate the world, which involves a lot of instruction from you. They can also be a lot more mischievous when unattended, meaning it’s best not to leave them alone. While they’ll still enjoy spending time with you, senior dogs don’t need to be on constant watch and can entertain themselves when you can’t.
Effect on the House
Senior dogs are far less destructive to your home and your belongings. Typically, they’ve been long broken of chewing habits and incontinence issues. Dogs in their older years aren’t running through the house, scratching their nails on solid surface flooring. Additionally, they aren’t jumping all over furniture and walls or doors. As long as they have their own space to rest, the impact on your home will be a positive one.
What You See Is What You Get
One of the benefits of rescuing an older dog is that there are no hidden surprises. You’ll already know their full size, grooming requirements, and personality. This can make it easier to pick the right dog, rather than jumping into the unknown of getting a puppy.
They Still Have Plenty of Life To Live
Many people worry that adopting a senior dog means they’ll miss out on the extra years they could have with adopting a puppy. Just because a dog is older, does not mean you’ll be missing out on the experience of owning a dog. Your newly adopted senior will still have plenty of time to create valuable memories with you. You also get to improve the dog’s life by giving them a loving home in their second act. Implementing a few daily exercises will help your senior dog’s mobility remain intact, allowing for more time for activities with you.
You Can Teach a Dog New Tricks
Another common worry is that it will be too hard to retrain an old dog. If need be, dogs can be trained at any age. Older dogs also have a greater attention span and are calmer than puppies, which can make training an easier feat.
Adopting is the best way to welcome a dog into your home. If you’re looking to adopt a new dog, consider these reasons why you should rescue a senior dog.
