November is Adopt a Senior Dog Month

Please consider adopting a senior dog. The harsh reality is that senior dogs are abandoned more than any other dogs. It is usually because their owners cannot, or do not wish to pay for their care anymore. They also just don’t want to be bothered with the extra attention an older dog might need as they age. Old dogs tend to have more trouble getting around or maybe they can’t hear or see very well. Sadly a lot of dogs come into the shelter because their owner has died and no one wants them. Saddest of all these dogs are often dumped in kill shelters.

According to the Senior Dogs Project, most veterinarians start classifying dogs in the “senior” category around the age of 7. But that does depend on size. The smaller the dog, the later in life the dog becomes a senior. Dogs, when well cared for and given appropriate exercise, remain happy, active, playful and puppy-like well into their senior years.

The ASPCA estimates that approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year (3.9 million are dogs and 3.4 million are cats). Of the dogs entering shelters, approximately 35% are adopted, 31% are euthanized and 26% of dogs who came in as strays are returned to their owner.

I have rescued two senior dogs and they are wonderful pets.

Terra, a chihuahua mix, was in the shelter for awhile. She had been surrendered because her owner passed away. She was 10. Of course she was extremely depressed. When I took her home. I was told she sleeps most of the time and doesn’t do steps. Well, she was quite alert and had no problem with steps. She was completely house trained and good with my other dogs. That was over 2&1/2 years ago. She is still doing great, sleeps on our bed, loves treats and even plays with the other dogs. She is in good health. I’m so glad we have her!

We adopted Frasier, a chihuahua mix, 8 months ago. He was going to be euthanized due to failing health so I took him home for hospice care. Well he perked up pretty quickly! He is doing great. He is 11. He has no major health issues now. He is very active, runs and plays with the other dogs, also loves treats and sleeps with us. He is house trained, and so affectionate. He knows quite a few tricks too.

Terra and Frasier just needed some love!

According to Pet360.com, there are a number of reasons to consider a senior dog when adopting.

1. They’re housetrained!
2. They know what “no” means.
3. Their personalities are already established.
4. Senior dogs are great for first time dog owners!
5. They like quiet.
6. They’re all done teething and there’s no need for puppy proofing your home.
7. They’ve lived in a house before.
8. They know how to walk on a leash.
9. Less of a commitment.
10. You’re saving a life.

Nicole Pajer from cesarsway.com points out that older dogs have already mastered basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “down.” And since they are already house-trained, you can save you a lot of time and energy that you’d normally have to dedicate towards training a young dog.

Another good point is that older dogs have all their adult teeth and are out of the energetic puppy phase, which will result in less destruction to your home.

There are so many great older dogs in shelters that just need some love. Please give an older dog a second chance. You will be glad you did! There are many seniors at Peaceable Kingdom Animal Shelter in Whitehall, PA shelter now that would love a second chance.

HERE ARE A FEW AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW…

	BIG BERNIE Big Bernie is a 9 year old Shepherd mix who is looking for a family with lots of love to give! Bernie would love an active home where his new family will help him shed a few pounds. He is a big boy but a total love bug!		BUBBIE Bubbie is a 12 yr. old Chihuahua. Though blind, she is a sweet girl looking for a calm and happy forever home.
	CRISTAL Cristal is a 12 yr old Chihuahua mix . She is dog friendly and fully housetrained. Even though she’s blind, she isn’t afraid to learn and explore her surroundings.		EMOJI Emoji is a 9 year old Chi. Her previous owner said she is a real lap dog – and she has a very expressive face, like an Emoji!
	GRACIE Gracie is an 11 year old Weimaraner – and is both dog and cat friendly! She’s the perfect dog for someone who loves constant companionship.		HENRY Henry is about 8 years old and weighs 11lbs. He is a Chi/Pom mix who loves to be held and cuddled.
	MARY JANE Mary Jane is an 11 yr old terrier mix, who came to us after her family could no longer care for her. MJ is a gentle girl, and just wants some quiet time to spend with her new family. She likes other dogs and loves nice head rubs.		NAOMI Naomi is 9 yrs old and is looking for a quiet home, where she can be the queen she is.
	NENA Nena is 9 yrs old. She is sweet – and loves to give kisses and get belly rubs. She is dog AND cat friendly, and fully housetrained.		NOAH Noah is a 10 yr old Lhasa-Poo. He’s a friendly guy who loves to explore – but also knows how to be a top notch cuddle partner!