Adopting an Older Dog

One of the great frustrations all breed rescues face is the reluctance of applicants to adopt middle-aged and older dogs. At Indiana Sheltie Rescue, a great majority of our applicants answer the question, “What age Sheltie would you prefer?” by stating “Two years or younger.” Most people are reluctant to adopt a dog even as young as four or five. The reality of breed rescue is that many of the dogs taken in are older than this. We never turn away a sheltie in need just because it is an older dog; we believe all shelties deserve a chance for a loving home for the rest of their lives.

Our family has adopted three dogs from Indiana Sheltie Rescue. At the time of their adoptions, they were ages 8, 6, and 10. We expect to adopt more shelties in the years to come, and they will all be older shelties. In fact, if we had enough space, I would love to have a “Sheltie Retirement Home” filled with older dogs. Here are some of the advantages that adopting older dogs provide:

ä Although they still enjoy running around the fenced yard and playing with each other, our middle-aged and older Shelties do not need the same high level of exercise and entertainment that very young dogs do. They love to take long walks, which I try to do daily, but I don’t feel guilty (as I would with a younger, more active dog) if a day comes along when I can’t get them out due to bad weather or a busy schedule.

 

ä Dogs over the age of four don’t seem to get into as much “mischief” as younger dogs. Of course there are always exceptions, but after having fostered over 40 dogs for ISR in the past five years, I can definitely say that the older dogs are easier for me to have in my home. I’ve never had an older dog upset the garbage, chew up a shoe, or tangle a leash around my legs on a walk; only the “two years and under” crew seems to commit these transgressions!

 

ä Some people are scared off from older adoptions because they are afraid of increasing medical costs. While it is true that sometimes medical problems can multiply as a dog ages, a young age is no guarantee of good health. Major problems can crop up any time in a dog’s life. In our family, the dog who has had the most minor surgeries and health problems is the youngest one, the one we bought at age nine weeks from a breeder.

 

ä Older dogs seem to want to soak up all the love you have to offer. They are so grateful to have a warm place to sleep, good food to eat, and a human of their own to protect from all the fierce squirrels and bunnies that dare to enter the yard.

The wonderful older Shelties in the Fett household are Sarah Sue, Amber, and Dugan. They are now ages 13, 10, and 12; and all are still going strong and providing us with lots of love and joy every day. 

ISR has some darling middle-aged and senior dogs available right now. If you have a little space in your home, won’t you consider filling it with an older Sheltie? The rewards you get will definitely enrich your life.

Cynthia Fett, 

Assistant Director