THE

Monthly Barker

The Joys of Adopting a Senior Dog

They already know their manners, have at least some house and obedience training, are more focused and therefore mellow instead of spastic.  They know what NO means and are happy to just be with you so you have an instant companion as well as time for yourself (including during the nighttime hours when they will sleep straight through).  With an older dog who has already grown into his personality as well as his paws, you have a new best buddy who is oh so grateful for a second chance at a forever home.
 
Senior dogs need homes just as badly as their younger counterparts but often get passed over at rescues for the cute puppies.  Many were once owned and loved by someone while others are waiting into their golden years to have that special human they can wag uncontrollably over.  Senior pets who find themselves in a shelter because of a death or other tragedy in their former human family usually go through a mourning period themselves – they must adjust to changes they don’t understand.  Once they are adopted however, they usually want nothing more than to please their new best friend, and it gives a terrific pet parent like YOU the opportunity to make sure a dog or cat’s later years are truly golden by having him spend them with you! 
 
Don’t worry that you may only have a short time together.  Although that may be true, none of us knows how much time we have.  Some animals live to 6 while others live to 20+.  A dog could look old but be quite young.  Nothing is certain.  What is important is that you make the most of whatever time you have together.  You can really make those remaining days, weeks, months or years precious for an older animal.
 
While it’s true that medical ailments have a greater chance of manifesting once any of us get older, that too is not a given.  Some pets go through a plethora of medical treatments at an early age while others live their whole lives healthy and strong.
 
Before you adopt (and continue even once you are old pals), communicate heart to heart with the dog. Ask him or her what he or she wants and needs from you to make their life whole.  If you’re having trouble tuning in, call on an Animal Communicator to help.  An older pet has a history, hopefully most good, but some not so much leaving the animal with trust, anxiety or other issues you may need to find a way around.  Any way that you can let him or her know you care and reach their heart, is a paw in the right direction!
 
Don’t be surprised if some of your new lady or fella’s antics remind you of a pet you have said your good-byes to.  Our furry best friends keep watching over us, and sometimes give your new canine the scoop on how to be your very best boy or girl.

Article by Denise Fleck
The Pet Safety Crusader
 

The Grey Muzzle Organization improves the lives of at-risk senior dogs by providing funding and resources to animal shelters, rescue organizations, sanctuaries, and other non-profit groups nationwide.

The Grey Muzzle goal is to enable animal welfare organizations to improve their ability to provide care, comfort, and loving homes for old dogs. The organizations that we are supporting are chosen carefully and all have a commitment to senior dogs. We also encourage the formation of new non-profit organizations to care for senior dogs, such as hospice care.

We do this by raising money that is distributed annually, via grants, to animal welfare organizations and applicable rescue groups. These funds are raised through public donations; we are not a privately endowed foundation.


For more information about this  organization and to find out how you can help, click the link below:

The Grey Muzzle Organization