When you get caught up worrying about the future, there is a dog for that. Consider adopting a senior dog. You may find yourself pleasantly surprised by how much an older dog can get you to forget about the future and focus on the present.

Older dogs are often skilled at embracing the best of each day. They have a roadmap for navigating the noise of life that I appreciate very much. More than ever.

If you could use a little furry yogi. If you need a distraction from the constant news streaming in front of your eyes, and in your ears. Consider adding a senior dog to your life.

Adopt from, or volunteer at your local animal shelter or rescue. There will be an older dog ready to show you the many reasons why senior dogs really do rule.

When in doubt, this holiday season, remember that love is always a perfect gift. 

Love is timeless. Sharing your heart with an adopted dog can make you feel like the smartest, happiest, most amazing person in the world. Opening your home to an animal companion gives the gift of love, safety and care to another being.

So, this holiday season, and beyond, always remember that love, is indeed, a perfect gift.

For us, choosing to adopt a senior dog is more than giving them a second chance at a loving home, it’s like fast-forwarding to the best part of having a dog.

November is Adopt A Senior Dog Month.

When you open your life to a senior sweetheart you are letting yourself experience the richest portion of life with a dog. The sugar faces at Muttville show me every week how amazing life together could be. I love volunteering there and getting fresh reminders and new ideas of what wonderful positive influence an older dog offers, and that they still can give fearlessly to you despite a slower pace or impaired vision.

Check out all the senior sweethearts at the following animal nonprofits:

Muttville Senior Dog Rescue

Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary

Lily’s Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary

Oldies Club UK

A favorite quote from Edith Wharton that many small dog lovers know by heart is how we begin November and Adopt a Senior Dog Month!

How much does this little face make your heart skip a beat? Older dogs have so much love and joy to offer if you give them a chance, or a second chance, when you adopt.

Check out all the senior sweethearts at the following animal nonprofits:

Muttville Senior Dog Rescue

Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary

Lily’s Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary

Oldies Club UK

Wonder why senior dogs are amazing? One big reason is they show how age is just a number!!

November is Adopt a Senior Dog Month. Discover for yourself how older dogs can positively influence your life, and just how it feels to have one show you what fearlessly giving is.

Love never grows old. Experience the love of an older dog and adopt! Your life will be enriched in the most unexpected and wonderful ways!

Maybe it's my own old bones talking, but I care a lot about senior dogs. At first, I thought my feelings were due to having my own old dog at home but she passed away almost two years ago. Then I thought it was because of my own rapidly aging parents, and watching their approach to life. But with all of them gone now my caring about old dogs hasn't diminished at all, in fact I care even more!

Why Caring For Old Dogs Matter

When I spend time with an old dog, my empathy for their lumps and bumps is real. If I see one dealing with poor vision, I find myself cleaning my smudged glasses in solidarity. Take an old dog for a walk, and savor their slow and measured pace. It's the perfect balm to impatience.

Bonus from Volunteering

When an old dog smiles with joy it feels like you just won a special prize. If one is feeling grouchy because of an ache, you'll find out fast. Old dogs are very present with their emotions. Spending time with them each week, I benefit from these mini-lessons and go home a better person.

When we care about, and for, old dogs, our lives are enriched as much as theirs. It's that simple. 

Wherever you are, wherever you travel, around the block, or across the world, be kind to animals. Your heart will thank you, and if you're like me, you get a sweet puppy kiss from an Anatolian Shepherd in the Turkish countryside. Now that's my kind of Turkish Delight!!

The first week of May is Be Kind to Animals Week.

When an artist is a dog lover they never seem to fail to capture the essence of our relationship in their painting or illustration. Behold this beautiful and peaceful image from, My Favorite Things, a book by Maira Kalman. Can't you feel how relaxed these two are on the grass, sharing a special quietude? It brings to mind my memories of similar moments with my dog on our living room rugs.

From the book, My Favorite Things, by Maira Kalman

If you want to know what pure love feels like, live with a senior dog. If you want to experience the friendship that Oscar and Felix from the Odd Couple had, live with a senior dog. If your idea of a best friend is the unquestioning companionship of a golden girl like this one here, then you have begun to understand what's special about loving an old dog.

Joan Rivers is quoted as saying, "Dogs are easier to love than people" and for many of us this is the truth.

Dogs don't judge us. They will often willingly go the extra mile to make us happy or laugh. Dogs are the friends who stand by you through thick and thin.

Play with your old dog too! With a senior dog, if they are like our Cleo, play time means short bursts of cuddles, head bumps and belly rubs. We also "race" down the hall with the winner getting a treat and bragging rights!

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Kids leaving the house this year? Feeling a little lonely? Consider adopting or fostering an older dog from your local rescue or humane society.

You'll both feel great, the companionship will cure the blues, and a dog won't fight you over the remote...

Why do we love our old dog so much? Because you can't make old friends.

Adopt a senior dog.