Mature Love - Adopting the Older Pet
Unfortunately, the older animals are usually the last to be adopted. Everyone is drawn to the cute playful, kitten or puppy. Adoptive families are missing out on a great adoption option if they do not consider adopting an older animal from the pound.
Many times these animals are in the shelter due to their owners circumstances and through
no fault of their own. The owners are moving, pass on, divorce, new baby, financial problems, allergies or any number of reasons. Some are strays o rare abused by owners. Very rarely is an older dog turned it for behavior issues.
The benefits of adopting older animals are huge. You don't have to go through the puppy training stage. An older pet just needs to learn a new routine and these pets somehow sense they are being given a second chance and are very grateful and easily trainable in most cases. This is a great opportunity to help a senior dog live out the rest of their lives in a nice, loving home. Many Animal Humane groups offer discounted fees for adopting older pets.
There's always a down side to everything and as far as adopting these senior pets, say 10 years
and up, will be the medical costs involved. Like their human counterparts, dogs are often on maintenance drugs. Another downside is the limited number of years that you will have them in your life.
I can persnally vouch for adopting older pets. After putting my pet down last year, I adopted a 12 year old husky mix and a 8 year old golden mix. They are great pets and easily adapted to our household.
