Older dogs in animal shelters are frequently overlooked in the search for the perfect canine companion. Often these dogs have a lot to offer, but are not given the opportunity to show their true colours. This article explains the positive side to adopting an older animal, and shows how, with a little extra care and attention, these senior citizens of the canine world can bring as much, if not more, richness to your life as a younger version.
How an Older Dog can find Itself in the Dogs' Home
The older rescue dog - the one that’s skulking in the background at the local shelter, subdued, intimidated by younger dogs, ignored by the public - who would want that quiet, unobtrusive little animal. The one with the grey muzzle and the hangdog expression? Only some little old lady with a heart of gold, one might think. But frequently these seniors of the canine world are simply failing to present their best side. They have usually been well cared for, but suddenly find themselves, sad and bewildered, sharing a cage with a group of unfamiliar companions. It is often misfortune in the owner's life that has caused the unhappy situation in which the dog now finds itself. An elderly owner has died, or had to go into a nursing home. A member of the family has become allergic to animal hair, and there's nobody able or willing to take this family pet on. There are, of course, a few incorrigible old dogs, who spend their lives in and out of animal shelters, but they are usually recognised by their dominant position in the pack, their solitary status, or their checkered background. These animals are often institutionalised, and should only be considered by very experienced dog owners. My advice to the normal, everyday dog lover is - leave this type of “oldster” to someone else.
But, once out of the shelter environment, and into the stability of a secure home, your typical older rescue dog often comes into its own, and you might find that what you thought was a rather nondescript animal turns out to be a very different creature indeed. It may no longer have the cuteness and charm of the young pup, or the boundless energy of the adolescent, but neither does it usually bring with it the need for toilet training, or teething problems, or destructive behaviour due to boredom and excess energy. With an understanding of the slightly different health and care requirements of the older animal, you and your new companion can enjoy your years together. You will also be happy in the knowledge that you have rescued your pet from spending its twilight years in the amorphous environment of the local dog shelter, or even from an undeserved death sentence.