Chef Is Adopted!
Chef now known as Puck and Paula
Chef had been picked up by an Animal Control Officer as a stray. Yes, hard to believe, but this bumpy eight to ten-year-old GSP was found as a stray, and the owner never came to claim him from the Animal Shelter. When we were notified about Chef, we wasted no time rescuing him, as shelter’s are full, and being a senior dog, his chances of being adopted there were slim.
While most people are looking to adopt a much younger dog than one Chef’s age, we knew we would be able to find someone who would appreciate the wonderful traits of a seasoned senior GSP. We did just that.
Paula applied to adopt a 9 to 10 year old GSP. She had lost her rescued GSP, Newt, and wanted a companion to join her on leisurely neighborhood strolls, and adventures in the beautiful Sierra Nevada’s. There was something about Chef that touched Paula’s heart, and we invited her to come and meet him. She fell in love with this handsome powder face boy, and took him home.
“Puck is a wonderful 10-year-old GSP. At this age he's considered a senior but he has lots of energy for hikes everyday and play and adventuring in the Jeep. He's super sweet and gentle and is an absolute joy to live with.
Puck doesn’t have the first clue about retrieving balls, but he loves retrieving furry things, so I toss the squirrel around the yard for him. He doesn’t trot and run, he prances and bounds! So funny!
Another funny thing is that I have a huge covey of quail that come into the yard for breakfast every morning. They are super funny to watch and listen to. Puck stands at the window and just trembles with excitement. He is beside himself because he can’t go hunt. After they leave, I let him out and he will spend 10 minutes running around the yard with his nose to the ground trying to track them. He is certainly a credit to his breed!
Most people want to adopt young GSP’s, but my desire to adopt a senior was very calculated. Seniors are much calmer and relaxed. They know themselves and the world and yet they have plenty of energy for all of the fun stuff. They are just easier.
When I told friends that I was adopting a senior dog their very first reaction was, "Why would you do that? You won't have them for very long and then you'll be heartbroken when their gone." My response was, "Why wouldn't you give a wonderful dog a good home especially after everything they've been through? They are easier than the younger dogs. And who knows how long anyone's going to live." For me, the seniors are even more deserving.
It's certainly something to consider when you're adopting a GSP. My last two GSP’s I had since they were babies. I loved their puppyhood and training and raising young dogs. But it was A LOT of work and it took a lot of time and energy. They are a very high energy breed and the younger the dog the more work and exercise they take to be happy and healthy. That better fit into your lifestyle or you're not the right person for that dog. I'm young, fit and active and a senior is a fine companion for me”!
