When considering adopting a dog for the family, many people find that a cuddly, energetic puppy is the most appealing choice. While puppies are fun and undeniably cute, that cuteness comes with a lot of work. There is a definitive case to be made for senior dogs.
These older pups are often overlooked in shelters. But they also need loving homes – even more than younger puppies do. Shelters typically have a larger population of senior animals, and by adopting one, you are truly saving and transforming a life. Some of these older dogs have been abandoned for unfortunate reasons by their families – perhaps simply 
because they are no longer as lively as they once were. Imagine the feeling of betrayal a dog might experience! One might think that this would harden the dog’s temperament and that it would never love again. On the contrary, most dogs are even more eager to love and willing to open their canine hearts to another family. Here are some points to keep in mind when deciding to add a member to your family:
1. As prospective pet parents, you might think that seven dog years equal one human year, but dogs age differently depending on their breed. Larger breed dogs tend to age more quickly than smaller breeds. Giant and large breeds are considered seniors around six or seven years old, while medium breeds are considered seniors closer to eight or nine years. Smaller breeds become seniors around ten to twelve years of age.
2. With good nutrition, proper exercise, and veterinary care, your senior pups will live a great life as companions and family members. Remember that while senior dogs have established personalities and most of the time already know how to do their business at home and obey, older dogs can certainly learn new tricks!
3. As mentioned earlier, there is no doubt that puppies are cute. However, remember the time it takes to train them to go potty in the right place. If you are mature and lack the patience for crate training and pads, an older dog is ideal for you. They have lived in homes before and most of the time already know how to use the crate and that the bathroom is outside.
4. If you are looking to adopt a “forever friend” who understands what it means to be a member of a family “pack” and will quickly learn what is expected of them in the new home, an older dog may be the best choice for you. Many of these older dogs are not in shelters due to 
behavior problems. They have lived with, and been loved by, a guardian who has passed away, and these grieving pups, without any fault of their own, were taken to a shelter.
Contact your local shelter and/or rescue organization to see if they have a senior dog that better fits your family’s lifestyle. An older dog offers a lifetime of unconditional love to share with you and your family.
For over fifteen years, Susan Marie has been spreading the love for pups on her national weekly radio show, The Doggy Diva Show. Susan is also the author of the award-winning children’s book trilogy Miss Olive, The Doggy Diva Diaries.
Source: Cara Downs