10 Reasons To Adopt A Senior Dog

Senior dogs, like old people, might slobber a bit more, and get a little arthritis as they age. They may not be as swift and they may not be as quick to learn new tricks, but like a favorite grandpa or elderly aunt, they offer an unconditional love that's just about the most special thing a pet lover could ask for.

We can think of a million reasons to adopt a senior dog, but we've narrowed it down to 10.Below are 10 reasons why senior dogs make incredible companions...

1. Senior dogs know people

Senior dogs have wisdom and are excellent judges of character. An old dog's love is worth way more than can be put into words. If you're lucky enough to have it, you'll enjoy the special feeling of a dog that just wants to hang out with you and know you're near.

2. They don't ask for much

Old dogs are happy to lie at your feet and give their old bones a rest. Sure, they like a good time outside, but they won't bark at you to throw a ball and they're content just to stroll beside you.

3. They fall in love easily

Old dogs love you very deeply. Have you ever seen an old dog look at you? They look deep into your eyes and are so grateful that you are you.

4. Senior dogs are willing to trust

Senior dogs know they can count on you. Nervous dogs have calmed down, jumpy dogs have stopped jumping and the barky ones talk much more softly. Senior dogs are calmer and more confident. If you're able to provide a safe home, they're willing to trust you.

5. They still have some spark

Just like their human counterparts, senior dogs today are different than senior dogs in the days of yore. There's medication for things like an arthritic hip (for both your grandma and your dog) so many old dogs can live pain-free and still want to run beside you (if just a little more slowly).

6. Senior dogs start with friendship

As the old saying goes, you can always teach an old dog new tricks, but for a lot of senior dogs, the basics are already in place. You can begin building a relationship from day one and forget about the time it takes to train a puppy.

7. They're less likely to eat your things

Young puppies chew everything. Really. Everything. And it doesn't stop at chewing. With a new puppy, you can expect a visit or two to the vet to remove the socks, the Legos or the engagement ring. Read: EXPENSIVE.

8. Gratitude and loyalty

When you adopt an old dog, there's a level of gratitude that's unmatched. Somehow they know they've been rescued. Really. They seem to know. Because of this, their loyalty knows no bounds.

9. Karma points

Dogs are put up for adoption for a variety of reasons. Sometimes there's a move, or a break up, or a health issue. When you take on a well-loved dog, you help the dog and their previous owner. For whatever reason they had to give up their senior dog, their old pet is not just a dog. We like to think that their pet was once a well-loved member of a family, and certainly deserves a chance to be a part of a new one.

10. Senior dogs are deepThere's something very special about old dogs. They have an unmatched wisdom. They know they're slowing down, so they're extra grateful that you are still there, doling out the pats on the head and providing them with love and comfort. The bond you share is just about as deep as it gets, and a senior dog is as special as can be. Article courtesy of the Huffington Post

If you aren't able to adopt, you can still  help by becoming a Rescue Hero  For as little as $10 per month, you can make a huge difference in helping offset the monthly costs to care for these deserving dogs, while they wait for their forever homes.