Normally when people think about getting a new dog for the family, they think about puppies, however there are tons of older dogs just as deserving of a home that are in rescue organizations that may end up being a better, beneficial match for you and your family. Many senior dogs have had unfortunate pasts and end up in a shelter due to their previous owner’s or family’s circumstances. The most common reasons why adult dogs are given up are changes in work schedules, death of an owner, moving with dog restrictions, new baby, abusive owner, stray, and job loss. For whatever reason, they were given up and in need of a home.

Adopting an older dog is a huge opportunity for that dog and there is a large chance you could be saving its life. In many rescue centers, older dogs are the first to be euthanized. Senior dogs can forgive and forget and are ready to live the rest of their lives to the fullest. Another convenient aspect of rescuing older is that you are aware of many things that would otherwise take time to find out or cause problems. When adopting them, you are aware of most medical issues or personality quirks that are now part of that dog’s adoption story.

With lots more prior knowledge on the dog, you can make a better informed and planned decision if that dog is the best fit for you and your life. Many things can be planned out to the best ability for the new dog like future or recurring medical costs and any changes that need to be made in your life to accommodate them and any of their extra needs.

Other benefits include already being housebroken and basic training. Most senior dogs understand basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down, so a lot of the work has already been done and a lot of time can be saved. They also have a great attention span so can be trained more and easily taught new tricks.

Adopting a senior dog is one of the most rewarding choices to make. They make instant lifelong, loyal partners and by adopting them you are ensuring that they find the companionship that they need and deserve.