When most people think of adding a new pet to their family, they probably picture adding a puppy or kitten—a young animal they can train and shape to be exactly what they want it to be! Of course, we often forget just how much work goes into raising a puppy—potty training, teething, socialization, and more!
Adopting a senior pet can be SO rewarding, and might actually be *just* what your family needs. Here are 5 reasons to adopt a senior pet:
What you See is What You Get
When you adopt a puppy, they aren’t truly the blank slate you think they are. Genetics and early life experiences go a long way in determining your new friend’s personality and quirks. As they mature, you’ll sometimes find surprises along the way. Your perfect puppy might turn out to be a fearful adult, through no fault of your own. Or, they might grow twice as big as you thought!
One of the amazing parts about adopting an adult dog is that their personalities and bodies are fully developed! Being in a rescue environment may tone down their personality or energy level, but what you see is pretty much what you get. Adopting from a rescue that has their dogs placed in foster homes also helps you really narrow down your search to the perfect dog!
Jump right into the fun
Your senior dog will likely already be house-trained, know their basic manners, and know how to hang around the house. Once they come home, all you need to focus on is helping them settle into your routines! This means you get to spend a lot more time having fun, and a lot less time problem solving.
More Relaxation Time
Senior dogs typically spend more time hanging around with their best friends, and almost always sleep through the night. Adopting an older dog is a great choice for someone who wants the companionship of a dog, without feeling like they have to quit their jobs to meet their exercise needs! They still have lots of life in them, but if a leisurely stroll is your preference, adopt an older dog!
Second Chance at Forever
Most senior dogs that end up in rescue are there through no fault of their own. There are many reasons they may need a new home; I often see senior dogs looking for a home after their owners have moved into an assisted living facility or have passed away. You can help these amazing dogs deal with their loss and offer them a happy retirement with your family!
Better Health for You
Owning a dog not only brings us lots of joy, but it also helps improve our health! Dog owners tend to be more physically active: walks, hikes, and playing in the yard are all great ways to boost your mood and improve your fitness!
Interacting with dogs has also been proven to increase feel-good hormones like oxytocin, helping decrease your stress and anxiety, and provide a sense of calm and relaxation.
Dogs are also good for your heart! Not just because they make you happy – but several studies have also found that dog owners have lower blood pressure than non-owners! There is also some evidence that dog ownership is associated with lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
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