5 Joys of Adopting a Senior Rescue Dog

Who rescued who November 9, 2013? The answer is not abundantly clear. We lost Harley in April, another round of Invitro fertilization was unsuccessful and I turned 40 on November 8. We found Shasta, brought him home and were soon to learn the joys of adopting a senior rescue dog.

Shasta was a stray in Stockton, CA.  He was at risk of euthanasia. When shelters are overcrowded seniors, who are considered “less adoptable”, are often the 1st to be put down. When a pet is considered a senior varies based on size and breed but the average age is 7. We were all lucky when Pawz for a Cause in Redding, CA found him and gave him a wonderful foster family.  We finally dug him up at AdoptAPet.com. This leads to the 1st of our 5 joys of adopting a senior rescue dog…

1. Adopting a senior rescue dog; saves a life.

According to Petfinder.com shelters said seniors are the hardest animals to adopt out. Have you ever scrolled through rescue sites and seen the URGENT WILL DIE at a date that often seems way too soon. I can’t look at them without crying and wishing I could take home EVERY SCARED little face (though I might not survive my husband if I did). The senior animal is often 1st in line so you are not only giving the sweet innocent animal a better life but probably saving it as well.

 2. Adopting a senior rescue dog; a gentle playmate for children.

A common misconception about older dogs in rescues is that they are “problem dogs”. The reality, many have lost their homes through no fault of their own. They are often friendly and gentle playmates for children, especially if they were previously the pet in another family.

3. Adopting a senior rescue dog; possibly saves potty training.

Most adult and older dogs have good bladder control. They need fewer potty breaks and are less likely to have accidents indoors. Of course, a senior or special needs dog can be an exception but there are still ways to manage. Harley had less bladder control with his Diabetes (read more) and Shasta with his Cushings (read more) so we used belly bands.

Some may often know simple commands like sit and lay down.

4. Adopting a senior rescue dog; possibly means lower exercise.

Most senior dogs have decreased energy levels and therefore have lower exercise requirements. Shasta was happy to spend a day on the couch while “we wrote” for the blog and could still kind of keep up when hiking and backpacking. Taking walks was one of his favorite things to do and he would get really excited when he saw us pulling out the tent.

5. They seem to KNOW and APPRECIATE they have been adopted.

It is truly uncanny but I swear Shasta knew he had been given a second chance for happiness. When he learned to trust he had found his forever family (which happened quickly) he bonded tightly with us. He loved when the 3 of us were together and was willing to go pretty much anywhere as long as it was together. Patiently learning from the generous souls of rescues who have every reason to never trust again can lead to the greatest demonstration of unconditional love you will ever see.

[bctt tweet=”5 reasons to adopt a senior rescue dog. You’ll learn what unconditional love truly is!” username=”denisegruzensk”]

It is not all fun and games: senior rescues can have more health problems (Dog Arthritis-Pain Relief) and we have less time with them (Our Shasta is Waiting at the Rainbow Bridge).  However, the other side is the love you will all give to each other. Remembering those wonderful times spent together and how you were able to fill each other’s lives with love and adventure bring comfort in the loss. Then someday, when you are ready, you will share the love you have for them by rescuing another of their kind.

November is National Adopt a Senior Dog Pet month. November 9 is Shasta’s gotcha day. Shasta, this is for you.

Please share your stories of love and rescue with us too.