Divinity came into my life when she was 9-1/2 years old. I was told that multiple people had submitted paperwork to adopt my little lady; however, all of them decided that at nine years of age, Divinity was too old to adopt.
My thoughts ran counter to the other potential adopters, and the day I brought Miss Divinity home, my life became blessed, in more ways than I could possibly describe.
Reasons to Adopt a Senior Dog (from The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs)
* Senior dogs love to sleep and cuddle the day away. They enjoy a brisk daily walk, but the best part of the day is the nap. They love for you to join them.
* Senior dogs have a tremendous amount of love to give. When you rescue a senior dog, you have a best friend for life.
* Senior dogs reward your care with an unwavering devotion. Nothing matches the gratitude of a senior dog for his rescuer.
* Senior dogs have learned many of life’s lessons. They know, for example, that shoes are for walking and bones are for chewing.
* Senior dogs know that the great outdoors is for eliminating and the house is for relaxing. Your carpet will last longer with a senior dog.
* Senior dogs can learn new tricks and be valuable family and community members. They make excellent therapy dogs.
* Senior dogs often fit into your household with ease. They find the softest, warmest spot in the house and claim it for their own, but they will share with you, too.
* Senior dogs make excellent companions for everyone, especially senior people.
* Senior dogs are often overlooked in shelters and pounds. Passed over for cute and cuddly puppies, they often do not have a chance and must go to make space for more puppies.
* Adopting a senior dog saves a life!
The following links are a small sample of the many rescue organizations that help senior dogs.
Please note: There are many fine rescue organizations that are not included in this list.
Note: The Grey Muzzle Organization is not a rescue. They do not deal with dogs themselves. However, The Grey Muzzle Organization fundraises and donates money to 501c3 organizations to help them help senior dogs.
Divinity 
I recently adopted a senior dog – a 10 year old chihuahua! As a lifetime cat keeper and a newbie dog-keeper I have been pleasantly surprised at how wonderful she is and a marvelous addition to my household! Senior Dogs Rule!
Hi Sabina,
Older dogs can be a real joy. Unfortunately, too many people think in terms of puppy. I’m hoping by posting information on older/senior dogs that more people with consider adopting a senior pet.
Thank you for this wonderful post! We are so honored to be mentioned as a rescue group that works with Senior dogs and cats, Paws For Seniors. We work hard every day to find new homes and in some cases help them in hospice care.
You’re most welcome!
It’s the least I can do for our senior pets.
We adopted Barley 1 year ago from Paws for Seniors. He was 12 and would turn 13 in March. He is an absolute joy! He has plenty of energy and lots of kisses for us every day. Senior rescue is so important and it’s beneficial to both the pet and the person. We are looking to a 14th birthday with Barley this March!
CAIRNgatulations! Barley sounds like a great little companion!