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Dont Forget the Senior Dog at the Animal Rescue Shelter

29 11:27:26
I was at a meeting where the guest speaker was the owner of an animal rescue shelter. Her organization travels all around the state and neighboring states to rescue the dogs on the euthanize list and advertises on all the social media networks to place these dogs all over the United States. The percentage of these dogs that don't get rescued is very high, over 50% at some shelters. Unfortunately many of these dogs are seniors - dogs over 5 years of age - who have been great pets but are no longer wanted or needed for a variety of reasons. Life was once great for these seniors but is no longer. The rescue shelter owner makes these trips and brings as many of the dogs on the list back to her shelter and begins the adoption and placements process. So many of these dogs are in great shape and healthy and there is really no reason they cannot begin a new life in a new loving home.

One of the unfortunate reasons dogs wind up in the shelters is that the elderly owner is unable to care for the pet any longer. Or perhaps the elderly owner has died and has no one to care for the pet. There are also the cases where the elderly owner has been promised by a relative that the dog will be cared for but the promise is broken upon the death of the owner. All of these reasons are hard to imagine if you are a caring person and have a soft heart for animals.

If the dog is not small, cute, or young, the chances of being adopted diminish greatly. Have you heard of the BBD? These big black dogs are often left behind and along with pit bulls are the first to be euthanized since they are unpopular breeds. Being the owner of a BBD myself, I am extremely sensitive to this issue. Where would I be without my sweet loving BBD? She has turned out to be the best adoption I have done - she is a great companion who is loving, grateful and loyal. She loves her exercise, her walks, and lounging around until the next activity. She is almost 8 years old and starting to gray around her face, chest and paws, but occasionally has the energy of a puppy. If you looked at her you would think she is a senior dog, but if you watched her run you would think she is a much younger dog. I would not hesitate to go that route again once I am able to take on another pet.

To be realistic, all dogs come with some baggage. Some dogs will bring the characteristics of their breed which you can research in advance so you know what you are getting into. Other mixed-breed dogs may bring the temperament of a breed, but will also bring along the experiences gained so far - some good and some not so good. Your patience will help you get through the adjustment period, so hopefully you have a lot of it! It should take about a month for you adopted senior to realize that your home is his/her new home. Explore the types of commands the dog may have had in the past. The most common of these commands is "sit". Have your new pet sit for meals, treat, leashing, etc., until your pet is comfortable with you giving commands and your dog obeying those commands.

Consider adopting/rescuing a wonderful companion from your favorite reputable shelter.