Blog 5 Reasons to Adopt an Older Dog

Meet Grace, Grace is a adult rescue from Big Dog Rescue Ranch.  I had originally gone there because they had a litter of Black Lab puppies.  When I arrived all were gone, so I asked if there was a cool older dog who needed a home.  They introduced me to Patty whom I renamed to Grace. She was at the ranch for several months and before that was in a high kill shelter in South Carolina.  Grace had spent months at the 2 shelters, mainly because of her age., Grace was 6.

People often overlook older dogs when choosing to adopt because the idea of purchasing puppies seems more appealing. However, there are many, usually disregarded, advantages of getting a mature dog; here are five top reasons to adopt an older dog.

5 Reasons to Adopt an Older Dog

• An older dog from a shelter or rescue centre has probably already had training and understands house manners. Even if it temporarily forgets when it arrives at its new home, it will quickly remember when it settles into routine. Older dogs can quickly learn what is expected and, despite popular belief, learn new tricks.

• What you see is what you get with older dogs. You already know the personality and temperament of the dog, how large the dog will grow and whether it is the right match for you. Unlike a puppy, you know the history and know what you are getting.

• Older dogs tend to have a calmer, more relaxed temperament than puppies. They are less demanding, won’t chew the furniture and will usually sleep through the night. If you want less destruction, more sleep and a relaxed dog, an older dog is ideal.

• An older dog is often better suited for families with young children. A mature dog is usually more patient around children, and there is also less of a risk of biting. It is important to check the history of the dog with children before adopting.

• By choosing to adopt an older dog, you are giving an overlooked animal a new lease of life. People often forget that an older dog has the rest of its life ahead of it. Every dog deserves a loving home no matter what age.

Grace has been the best decision I have ever made.  She is my second rescue, many of you remember Coco my Black Lab, whom I adopted from Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. Who I thought, and everyone agreed was an amazing dog.  I rescued her when she was young and spent hours and years training her to become the perfect dog.  Grace on the other hand had come somewhat pre-programmed, she was housebroken, social, great on leash and even off leash, knew her commands and likes to sleep in.

Getting an older dog can be a thoroughly rewarding decision. You can find great older dogs at both Peggy Adams and Big Dog Rescue in addition to Palm Beach County Animal Care Not only will you be giving a dog a new home and bright future, but you will also be gaining a wonderful companion.  I can tell you from first-hand experience that won’t regret it.