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If you’re thinking about adding a new dog and/or cat to your household, then I would recommend going to a shelter to get one. Imagine adopting an older dog or cat instead of a puppy or kitten. There’s so many reasons to consider adopting or even fostering an older companion compared to a younger companion.
Taking in an older animal is incredibly rewarding. My last dog I took in when he was 10 years and four months old. Plus, these older/senior dogs statistically have a less likely chance of finding their “fur”-ever home.
I had to do some research on this and found out that over 50% of pets in shelters will be euthanized, and if you are talking about pets over the age of three (3) years old, then the odds are even higher.
People often take home the young bouncy puppies and kitties, which leaves many great older pets without homes.
Adopting puppies and kittens always comes with at least a little bit of mischief as they grown and learn how to live in a home of their own. While many of the older animals – especially the ones that go to shelters as strays or transported from other shelters or states – will require some patience, but their energy level is generally lower than their younger counterparts.
Even though the older dogs and cats aren’t quite as energetic, they still can be as playful as younger animals. There are plenty of opportunities to get your older pet active whether it’s interacting with people, going on walks or playing with their toys or other animals and it’s a great way to watch their personality shine!
When you adopt an older pet, what you see is what you get – physically at least. They’re already at their full grown size, so it’s easier to visualize how they’ll fit into your home and your life. They have also had time to develop their own personality, but keep in mind that you won’t see who their true personality until they’re in your home – it can take weeks or even months for the animal to feel comfortable enough to open up to you and show you their true self. And just remember, even if your animal is older, there’s that saying “you can still teach an old dog new tricks.”
Am I doing a good job of advocating for the older companions yet?
I had to do some research on what’s “officially” considered a senior animal and here’s what I found:
- Small breed dogs – 10 years
- Large breed dogs – 8 years
- Extra large breed dogs – 6 years
- Cats – 10-12 years
Older animals are amazingly resilient and have the ability to adapt very quickly to new situations.
I wrote a blog about my senior dog that I took in who unfortunately passed away in April and mentioned earlier in this blog that he was 10 years and 4 months old when I took him in. The circumstances of this scenario were quite a bit different than me just going to the shelter and adopting a dog, but I would have done this again in a heartbeat because it was a wonderful experience.
Going forward if I do get other dogs, I will be rescuing middle-aged or senior dogs instead of getting a puppy.
As I mentioned earlier, it really is rewarding taking in an older dog – whether it’s through a shelter or other circumstances. For me, I didn’t really want a dog, but I’m happy I made the decision that I did because no dog or cat should grow old (or die) in a shelter. These dogs and cats deserve a second chance.
I only had 14 months with my senior dog that I took in. Unfortunately, you never know how long you’ll get with them, and many people see this as a negative, which I understand. But to give a different perspective, I see it as giving these older/senior dogs the golden retirement they absolutely deserve. Yes, it’s VERY sad when they go, but there’s also a warm feeling of having really come through for them when you say goodbye to a dog (or cat) that you saw through to the end.
To add on to that, another reason you should consider an older or senior dog or cat – let’s face it, it’s a shorter commitment – it’s not bad to say that! Maybe you can’t make a 12+-year commitment to an animal right now, or perhaps you don’t want to. THAT’S OK! There are so many older animals out there who only need your love and commitment for a shorter time and perhaps you two will be perfect for each other!
Anyway, there’s just some thoughts I had. I might write another blog about this subject in the future.