Oldies But Goodies: Reasons to Adopt a Senior Dog

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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

  1. Naps. They love naps, you love naps. Nap together. Everyone wins.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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. ♥

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