By Jane Campbell
Are senior dogs the perfect pets? For quite a few of our Cairns & Cousins Terrier Rescue volunteers, they certainly are. Those who have opened their hearts and homes to an older dog have discovered the joys of adopting a senior.
Medium to large dogs are considered to be senior at age 7. Smaller breeds are not usually considered seniors until they are 11 years old. When considering adopting an older dog, remember that older dogs offer a quieter and calmer lifestyle for their adopters, you can teach an old dog new tricks and that senior you may be considering has more love to give than you can imagine. They are just waiting to share it with a new loving family. Sadly, many senior dogs in shelters or rescues are often overlooked in favor of younger dogs. However, senior dogs do make great family members and, depending on your lifestyle, could be the perfect pet for you.
Margie G. has adopted three senior dogs over the years and says that though each had a different personality they each were loving members of her family. Her dogs each came with a few challenges since they had lived in other homes and had different experiences. But each, in his or her own time, learned to settle into her home, which shows that you can, indeed, teach an old dog new tricks. Margie says there have been adventures with each of her seniors. Her latest dog, Gus, is always happy to go out to investigate things and is great with people.
Ultimately, Margie thinks that a senior dog suits her lifestyle without all the puppy energy and hijinks, but with all the love and companionship a dog can offer.
Susan M. also has adopted several senior dogs and currently is the happy dog mom to 11-year old Vinny. According to Susan, Vinny is like an Eveready battery. Always ready to go. She told me that she and Vinny love hiking and after a good hike they are just as fond of a nice snooze
in the afternoon. “Honestly I can’t imagine not having a senior dog in my life,” Susan said
Beth V. adopted Zach when he was 14 and an overweight and grumpy old fellow. She changed his diet to homemade food and got him on arthritis shots. A year and a half later, he is happier and more active. He can even do the stairs by himself now!
CCTR has several other members who have adopted seniors, including Claudia Y., who adopted her latest senior last year. She has learned a lot from her seniors and now has so much experience with older dogs that she serves as a senior mentor for other adopters.
All agree that the love an older dog gives is a joy to share.
As Susan said, “Give me a senior dog any day!”
