Here at Sidewalk Dog, we have a special place in our hearts for senior dogs — after all, Luc, the original Sidewalk Dog, was pretty much born a senior pooch, and at least three of our current Pack dogs have reached senior status.
We wanted to give a little plug for senior adoption, but don’t just do it out of the goodness of your heart — do it because it’s a grrr-eat idea! Here’s why.
Six Reasons to Adopt a Senior Dog
- Naps. They love naps, you love naps. Nap together. Everyone wins.
- More dignified behavior. Shoes are for walking, bones are for chewing, and grass is for peeing, right? Try telling that to a puppy. Senior dogs are less likely to be destructive chewers and more likely to be housetrained.
- Less time. While senior pups still benefit from regular exercise, their generally lower energy levels mean you can skip a walk once in a while without having to worry about them going bananas.
- Ditch the mystery. You may not know their whole history, but you will know their adult size, grooming needs, and activity level. And if you adopt from a foster-based rescue, you’ll also know a heckuvalot about their temperament — which is far less likely to change than a young dog’s.
- Training’s a breeze. Think an old dog can’t learn new tricks? Think again. They’ve got focus and calm on their side, after all.
- They know how to family. The majority of senior dogs have already had a home, so they know what it’s like to be part of a family and will settle in fast. They are grateful for a second chance and will thank you with unconditional love. ♥