Skip the inevitable wrath of puppy breath and little yellow puddles—why not adopt a senior dog? Look deeply into the stoic and wise eyes of an elderly dog and you’ll find all your answers. We’re here to count all the reasons why you should consider adopting a senior dog.
You can judge this book by its cover
The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals cites that what you see is what you get with senior dogs. Unlike the oftentimes unpredictable nature of a two-year-old rescue dog, it’s a safe bet that any behavior a senior dog displays at the pound is exactly what you’re signing up for.
Lazy Lover
A four-legged couch warmer at heart, a white-faced and floppy-eared dog is the perfect companion for a late night hang with popcorn and a queue of movies.
Mellow and generally requiring a lot less exercise than dogs in their earlier years, the chill vibes will flow aplenty with Grandpa Fido.
Whether you go with a boxer who’s been out of the ring for quite a while, or a not-so-golden retriever who prefers to relax, your feet will never be cold at the dinner table again.
Skip right to the good part
In many cases, older dogs available for adoption have already been trained and will faithfully trot by your side on evening walks together. Forego the puppy antics like chewing and jumping and maybe even skip the trip to the vet for shots—you two could be good to go after pickup.
Meet Marnie!
Marnie is a Shih Tzu who was rescued by Shirley Braha in 2012. Between the age of 10 and 12 at the time, Marnie is a delightful senior dog who has hung out with the likes of Miley Cyrus, Tina Fey, James Franco, and more.
You can read about Marnie’s rags to riches story here. Long story short, this senior dog rescue was a match made in heaven. From the cold streets of Connecticut to a nearby shelter, Braha adopted “Stinky”—named after the unpleasant smell emanating from the decayed teeth in her mouth—and fixed her right up.
Marnie’s adorable Instagram page currently has 975,000 followers and counting.
Move over Superman, there’s a new hero in town
Countless senior dogs are euthanized every year because they’re so often overlooked by prospective owners. Be a dog’s angel by giving it a forever home. The gentle and loving nature of a dog in his or her later years is one of the most tender and sweet things in life—why deny yourself?
