There are plenty of good reasons to adopt young pets, and there are just as many good reasons to adopt senior pets. Let’s talk about a few.
- Training and Manners
Older animals have more life experience and have learned more lessons along the way. They often know the basics – what is a toy and what isn’t, where they should potty, and more. The Lexington Humane Society is unable to guarantee what you’ll see from your new pet as they settle into your home because new environments can bring on different behaviors in animals. While our care staff does their best to know as much as possible about individual animals, the long-term goal is for animals to be adopted and for their forever families to get to know them best. However, knowing that senior pets have a lot of life figured out, a senior pet would make a good addition to a family who doesn’t want to go through the intense training that accompanies puppyhood/early years of a dog’s life.
2. Independent vs Dependent
When we think about age, we think about the ability to be independent. A young animal needs more one-on-one time and is unable to be independent for a long time. Bringing a puppy home can be just as tiring as having a newborn in the home. There are SO MANY potty trips. Including a lot of middle-of-the-night potty trips. Young animals often can’t be left alone without worry that they’ll ruin the furniture or ingest something dangerous for them. They simply can’t be independent yet. However, older dogs often know the differences between what they are and are not allowed to do at home. They often need less demanding amounts of exercise. A senior pet would make a good addition to a family who doesn’t have the time to run miles a day with the dog or maybe works long days and needs a pet to be more independent.
3. Old Dogs Can Learn New Tricks
Senior dogs are often past the rambunctiousness of puppyhood. They’re able to focus better on their handlers and LOVE to please because they know the value of life and spending it with the people they love. They’ll be happy to learn what you want to teach them because it will make you happy. And isn’t that a goal of dog ownership? Mutual happiness with each other. Much like younger dogs, you’ll get out of them what you put into them. Investing in your relationship with a senior dog can be just as rewarding as a relationship with a younger dog.
Adopting a senior pet is like fast-forwarding to the best part. We receive many senior pets who just want a second chance at life and these experts at love make great companions! We hope you will consider adopting a senior pet when the time comes to add a new furry friend to your family. Adopt a senior dog, adopt a lifetime of love!
In November, Adopt a Senior Dog Month was sponsored by Anita Britton & Stuart Bennet. To celebrate, we offered $39 adoption fees on senior dogs (aged 7 and older) available for adoption throughout the entire month and several seniors we able to find their forever homes!
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