6 Reasons Why You Should Adopt a Senior Dog this Month
Happy adopt a senior pet month — adopt old while the weather gets cold.
November is often a busy time of the year with so many of us preparing for the holiday season. Because of the natural hustle and bustle that comes with the colder weather, Adopt a Senior Pet month tends to be overlooked — much like senior pets waiting for forever homes in shelters across the globe. The golden oldies have a lot to offer. Here’s 8 reasons why you should adopt a senior dog this month.
1. Senior dogs can still learn new tricks.
Contrary to popular belief, old dogs are still very much capable of learning well into their golden years. Despite their advanced age, senior pets enjoy learning alongside their people as long as the tricks and commands are creaky-joint friendly, that is. Older dogs make great training companions as they are often not easily distracted like younger puppies. Old dogs are never too old to stop learning!
2. They tend to have better manners.
More often than not, the toughest part of your senior dog’s day will be choosing the most comfortable sleeping position. Puppies require structure, supervision, and lots of attention in order to become the perfect house companion. Seniors, on the other hand, do not require nearly as much attentiveness, but can still give you all the same love and kisses as a puppy could — they also know the difference between a tasty snack your designer bag.
3. They make great nap buddies.
If you’re anything like me, a good afternoon nap can hardly be beaten. It’s so refreshing to curl up on the couch and, with a senior pet, those naps can last undisturbed for hours. Seniors make great companions for people who enjoy mild-mannered dogs. In fact, seniors take resting very seriously. On average, senior dogs can sleep anywhere from 18–20 hours a day. Just because you’re old doesn’t mean you still don’t need your beauty sleep.
4. What you see is what you get.
Elderly pups know exactly who they are in life. Unlike puppies who have yet to develop their adult pupsonas, senior dogs have fully fleshed out personalities that come with few surprises. Your senior friend will look and act relatively similar to the first day they come home. (We can’t say the same for your neighbor with that new 3 month old husky puppy though.)
5. Older dogs are independent.
Owning an old dog means you don’t have to sacrifice your personal space or copious amounts of attention on an excitable young canine. Senior dogs love alone time just like you! In fact, most enjoy the occasional belly rub or quick stroll, but your elderly companion is eager to live out their glory days in peace and quiet— which they will happily share with you.
6. The love they give will always outweigh the ending.
One of the number one things I get asked after adopting a senior pet: Won’t you be sad when they pass? It used to be my top question too. Senior dogs will love you unconditionally just like a puppy would. These faithful companions deserve a restful retirement, and you can give them that. Ultimately, adopting an old dog doesn’t have to center around their timeline.
Senior dogs can be fantastic companions and adapt well to all kinds of families. Consider adopting old during the month of November and give an elderly canine a the new leash on life that they deserve!
