Adopting an Older Dog: 10 Reasons Why

Guest Post Friday is our new series sharing funny pet bloggers, and smart dog lovers, pet industry influencers and animal advocates. With lots of fascinating people involved in making a difference in the lives of animals this is our way of sharing them within the Grouchy Puppy community. Our first guest post is from A.J., a long time friend of Grouchy Puppy and someone we finally got to meet in person at BlogPaws. She shares her reasons behind why all dogs can be puppies and why she loves senior dogs - perfect timing for Less Adoptable Pet Appreciation Week.

I’m A.J. from I Still Want More Puppies – I blog about pup culture, pop culture and anything else that strikes my fancy.  My motto?  Puppies = serenity now.   The title of my blog declares that I want more puppies. However, I’m here to make a confession. I like adopting adult dogs.  (Thanks to Sharon & Cleo for letting me get this off my chest.  Whew!)  

I should clarify – all dogs are puppies to me, but when it comes to adoption, I’m not drawn to the young whippersnappers. In fact, Bella was past puppyhood when I adopted her. We think she was at least one (perhaps one and a half), and she’d already had puppies. (I know… puppies having puppies. It’s like the dog version of 16 and Pregnant.) Some crazy person kept the puppies and dropped Bella off at the pound. (By “crazy person,” I mean “idiot.”  Bella’s awesome.)

Anyway, when I peruse Petfinder, I limit my search to adult pups. When the time is right to add more furry friends to our house, I guarantee we’ll be adding a dog that’s no longer in the puppy stage. Why?  Well, it just so happens I’ve put together a list of my top 10 reasons…   

10.  Many adult dogs up for adoption have that whole housebreaking thing under control. Puppies are starting from scratch – it’s all fun and games ‘til someone pees in the house.  

9.  Older dogs are just as cute as puppies.   

8.  Bella will be 10(ish) this year. I think she might disown me if I add an untrained ball of crazy puppy energy to her life. (I can just imagine her shaking her paw and yelling for the new kid to get off her lawn.)  

7.  Sleep. When I got a puppy as a child, crying all night was a regular thing for a while (the puppy, not me). In contrast, Bella drifted right off into dreamland.

6.  Seriously, older dogs are really cute. Take a gander at Bella (and Cleo) – you can’t deny the cute.   

5.  To know you is to love you… by which I mean that you can evaluate an adult dog’s personality and find a good match for your lifestyle.

4.  Older dogs need you!  (Not that puppies don’t need you, but they have a much easier time getting adopted.)   

3.  Bella still acts like a puppy half the time – she’s pretty darn fun.  

2.  At the same time, her energy is at a reasonable level.  She appreciates a good nap and is more than willing to watch Matlock with me and hit up an early bird special.  

1.  Rescuing an older dog is cool.  Don’t you want to be cool?  (In this instance, I am in favor of peer pressure.)  

Anyway, by the law of top 10 lists, I think you now have to seriously consider adopting an older dog. Hey, I don’t make the rules.

(Well, except for the rule that all dogs are called puppies.  That one was all me.)

Comments

[Pamela]

Of course all dogs are puppies. Doesn't everyone know that? If not, thank you for reminding them.

And yes, those are great reasons to adopt an older dog.

[Elizabeth]

Nice post! Older dogs (and cats - yes, I said it) ARE cool.

(Matlock? Early bird special? Bella's WAY too young for that!)

[Pup Fan]

Thanks, Pamela! And thanks again, Sharon, for inviting me to post! :)

[Sharon]

Loved this post AJ because it reminds us that all dogs are puppies. Really!! We just need to see them that way. Cleo helps me by making puppy noises and faces sometimes :0)

[Stina]

I 100% agree!! We have two little mutts and want to add a big dog to the fam soon and it will definitely be an older dog. We're kind of over the whole potty-training, crazy puppy non-stop energy thing, haha. Puppies are adorable and endearing, but they take a lot of focus and energy! We want to get an older, mellow-er dog. We fell for a senior pitty/mastiff cross on Petfinder but unfortunately weren't ready to adopt yet. Soon, soon! I could say more, but really, you've already said it all. Hear hear!
-Stina xo.
http://www.honeywild.net

[Margo Williams]

I recently adopted a 12 yr old dog from Miami Dade Animal Control. Her picture just pulled at me. I called a wonderful rescue group who pulled her for me and aided in transporting her up to me. I love this new addition to our family. She is about the same age as my other girls so has fit in great!!! It is wonderful knowing that we actually saved her life!!

[Sharon]

Margo - what a wonderful day for you and your family! We'd love to see a photo on our Facebook wall of your new addition with her sister. Congratulations!

Stina - isn't it great to know you're not alone in loving all the bonus features a senior dog comes with?! When the time is right your family you will have a perfect senior buddy to hang out with.

Thanks for commenting!
-Sharon

[one person's view]

You don't emphasize the most important point-- ALREADY HOUSEBROKEN. I have never housebroken a dog and hope I never have to!

[Doodling Dogs]

Great list!

[Sharon]

Thanks for all the comments.

Housebroken is huge! Thanks for reminding us!

Love senior dogs!