Adult Dogs Have Many Advantages:

  • Most dogs given to shelters are young adolescents. They don't usually have behavior problems, they were just victims of well-meaning owners who didn't have the time, knowledge or patience for the needs of a dog.

  • While many shelter dogs could use a little more training, they usually bond quickly with new owners, and have fewer needs than a young puppy.

  • Many shelter dogs are already housetrained, though they often need some reminders and a few days of adjustment time after their stay at a shelter kennel. Even if they were sadly kept outdoors only, adult dogs often only need a day or two to learn that they live inside, but eliminate outside.

  • Many shelter dogs have already lived with children. People often assume that they should start with a puppy if they have children. Puppies have sharp baby teeth and can play too roughly with young children. There are many adult dogs in the shelter that are recommended for households with children. And, teaching children about the moral benefits of saving the life of a homeless adult pet is a lesson that will never be forgotten.

  • Adult dogs are easier to train than young puppies because they have longer attention spans. And many shelter dogs already know some basic commands taught in their first home or by shelter volunteers.

  • Dogs are generally more predictable. A dog isn't full-grown until it's a year old, so when adopting an adult dog you already know it's full size, health and real personality.

  • Dogs mature out of their "teenage phase" until they are often two years old. Adopting an older pet means that someone else already had his or her shoes chewed and you get the benefit of a dog who is more mellow and allows you to finish the entire newspaper.

  • Don't discount a dog that is approaching a senior age. Even an eight-year-old dog has the likelihood of many more good years to give you. A senior dog often offers the sweetest rewards.

  • You are taking a stand against the pet overpopulation crisis and saving an animal that will bond quickly with you, and shower you with gratitude and unconditional love.

  • All dogs are pack animals and have high needs for regular companionship and attention inside the home with their humans. If you are gone much longer than eight or nine hours a day, a dog may not be an appropriate pet for your busy lifestyle.



  • Senior dogs know that great outdoors is for eliminating and the house is for relaxing. Your carpet will last longer with a senior dog.

  • Senior dogs can learn new tricks and be valuable family and community members. They make excellent therapy dogs.

  • Senior dogs often fit into your household with ease. They find the softest, warmest spot in the house and claim it for their own, but they will share with you, too.

  • Senior dogs make excellent companions for everyone, especially senior people.

  • Senior dogs are often the first to be killed in area shelters. Passed over for cute and cuddly puppies, they often do not have a chance and must go to make space for more puppies.

  • Adopting a senior dog saves a life!

Reasons to Adopt a Senior Dog

  • Senior dogs love to sleep and cuddle the day away. They enjoy a brisk daily walk, but the best part of the day is the nap. They love for you to join them.

  • Senior dogs have a tremendous amount of love to give. When you rescue a senior dog, you have a best friend for life.

  • Senior dogs reward your care with an unwavering devotion. Nothing matches the love of a senior dog for his rescuer.

  • Senior dogs have learned many of life's lessons. They know, for example, that shoes are for walking and bones are for chewing.
By Lynda Poggie