In Praise of Senior Dogs?

[Larkest]

Hi guys, me again (gosh, I have too many questions).

Today I was browsing PetFinder, as I'm wont to do lately, and I noticed that the dogs catching my eye were all quite a bit middle aged, or older (the youngest was 4 years). Now, I've been looking for something older (I just don't have the consistency in schedule for a puppy at the moment) but I had imagined that I would go for a yearling, or perhaps two. I've never really met anyone who adopted a dog at an older age (some of these dogs were 7 or 8) and while I have read some good things, I'm leery.

I talked to my mom about it (I don't live with her - I just chat with my mom XD) and she's against the idea. She thinks it'll "croak" in a year and it's a "waste of time". Though, my boy was so young when he passed away that I'm more inclined to think anything can happen and age isn't necessarily a defining factor. I mean, some people on the forum have wonderfully healthy older dogs. But, having lost my boy in the early months of the year, I am very nervous of adopting a dog who may pass early.

I've come to "rely", if you will, on the down-to-earth opinions of folks on the forum and would be grateful for any input. Those of you with experience with adopting older dogs - would you do it again? What should I be looking for to "set myself up for success"? What kinds of questions should I be asking shelter staff? What are the cons to adopting an older dog from a shelter? If it helps, these are public shelters, not private rescues, that I'm looking at.

Thank you so much for reading and any input or help. I'll be going in person this upcoming Friday when I'll be in town to meet some of these dogs, so I'm hoping to go in with some new perspectives, or at the very least a better rounded opinion.

 

[Julee]

Adopting a slightly older to senior dog is great. They usually are housebroken, are well mannered, know how to crate or be left alone - not a lot of effort on your part is needed, usually. Most people overlook anything over 2-3, despite many dogs making it to the 14-17 range. I have not adopted an older dog, but I have worked with many in rescue, it's a really great option.

 

[elegy]

My little poodle Siren was 15 1/2 when I got her (rehome, not shelter). I had her for about 18 months.

Harv came from the shelter at the age of 10. I had him for a year.

And I don't regret either one of them for a second.

 

[Southpaw]

Happy was coined as 12 years old when I got her. I've had her for just shy of 2 years and she certainly doesn't appear like she's going anywhere anytime soon. Granted, I wasn't looking for another dog at the time, I got her because she was geriatric and ill (she was heartworm positive) and who else is gonna adopt that. I had another dog to do "dog stuff" with so it didn't really matter to me that Happy is deaf and that Happy gimps around. If I were looking for a dog to go hiking with, a dog to play fetch with, a dog to really DO things with, then probably a senior is not the route I would go. But for just a companion around the house, to go for some leisurely walks with? Sure.

I'm actually trying to convince my sister to adopt an 8 year old. She thinks that's old ("I'm not running a nursing home!") but the dog sounds perfect, she doesn't want a puppy but she still wants an active dog to be outdoorsy with. Take breed into consideration, this dog is a BC so could easily live many more years, obviously with some breeds that age would be a little sketchier.

 

[JustaLilBitaLuck]

I adopted Heidi at the age of 9, and its been wonderful. She came to me in not-so-great condition (overweight, bad skin and coat, etc), but a year of good food and exercise did her wonders, and she's a very healthy, happy dog now.

I love senior dogs. They're usually house trained, past their destructive stage, and lower energy. They have more of a set personality and temperament than a younger dog or puppy, so what you see is what you get.

I would absolutely adopt a senior dog again.