These last few months have been doggone busy! It’s now April and our Christmas ornaments are still hanging from the evergreen tree outside – you can imagine we are a neighbourhood favourite – NOT! In any case, it’s been on my ‘to do’ list for months and I plan to de-Christmas this weekend – no excuses. But, in my own defense, I have not been “dogging it”. I make an A list and B list, and while other things slide - the dogs are always on the A list and so far this 2009, the rescue has been overwhelmed with requests to take dogs into our program. Is this a sign of the economic times or is it status quo for an all breed rescue? I am inclined to think it’s a bit of both but, regardless of what’s behind the numbers, the bottom line is the dogs need re-homing assistance and that is our mandate.
Because our rescue has a focus on senior dogs, we are often called about dogs whose owners have died or been transferred to a nursing home. As well, shelters will often call us about older dogs who are being overlooked for adoption and have been in the shelter for too long for their wellbeing. It’s too bad that many people feel that mature dogs are not suitable adoption candidates – they are missing out on many a great companion!
The other day I received a call from a lady who said she wanted to adopt an older dog – hey, super news I thought – until she told me that she was looking for a 2 to 3 year old. I explained to the caller that the majority of our dogs range in age from 5 to 10 years, to which she replied, “that is too old for a dog to adjust to a new life. They are too set in their ways and can’t be trained.” This is simply not the case my friends! Ask anyone who has adopted one of these gems and you will hear a very different tale. Most often, these golden oldies are house trained, well over chewing stages, have a wealth of life experience under their belts and make wonderful, well-adjusted companions. Seldom needing hours of high-energy outlet activities, they are content with moderate exercise and outings and are happy to come home and curl up by your side. A reputable rescue will share the dog’s health status and personality traits and will advise and guide you to an appropriate canine companion.
Here is one of my fave sites called THE SENIOR DOG PROJECT and an excerpt from their home page (web site at the bottom)
Question: Won't I be adopting someone else's problems? If the dog were so wonderful, why wouldn't they have kept him? Answer: Older dogs lose their homes for many different reasons.... most of them having nothing to do with problems the dog has, but rather with those of the person or family surrendering the dog. Many folks think dogs who end up at shelters or in rescue must be genetically and behaviorally inferior but they are all there for a variety of reasons. It is not uncommon for owners who bought very expensive dogs on impulse to no longer want to take responsibility for them, once the novelty wears off.
Other reasons older dogs become homeless: death of a guardian....not enough time for the dog...... change in work schedule..... new baby.....need to move to a place where dogs are not allowed.... kids going off to college.... allergies.... change in "lifestyle".... prospective spouse doesn't like dogs. (All these reasons are taken from real case histories.)
Question: What advantages do older dogs have over puppies or young dogs? Answer: Older dogs who are offered for adoption by shelters or rescue agencies are housebroken and generally have had some training, both in obedience and house manners. Older dogs, especially those who have once known it, appreciate love and attention and quickly learn what's expected of them to gain and keep that love and attention. Older dogs know how to let you finish the newspaper, sitting calmly next to you, while your workday stress flows away and your blood pressure lowers. They are also instant companions, ready for hiking, riding in the car, walking on leash, fetching, etc. Finally, older dogs are a "known commodity." They are easy to assess for behaviour and temperament, and you also don't have to guess how big they'll grow!
Question: Aside from any advantages an older dog has, is there any good reason to adopt an older dog instead of a puppy, who has his whole life ahead of him? Answer: Just about everyone who enters a shelter is looking for a puppy or a young dog (3 years or under). There are also many people who go to breeders to buy puppies. By adopting an older dog, we make a statement about compassion and the value of all life at all ages. It also reduces the demand for mass-produced puppy mill puppies, bred indiscriminately and in inhumane conditions.
Just as a puppy has his whole life ahead of him, so does an older dog have the rest of his life in front of him. You can give that older dog the best years of his life while, at the same time, bringing a wonderful addition into your family.
www.srdogs.com/Pages/adopt.html
Without further adieu I would like to introduce you to KING and OLLIE – two the most handsome men I have met in a while!
King
The Kingman is 100 pounds of unconditional love! Such a sweet older boy - about 8 years old He's good with other dogs, LOVES all PEOPLE and is now neutered, fully vetted but still needs to be professionally groomed. We think King was probably left outside all the time and was lonely and so he barked for attention and then whoever had him put a shock collar on him. Poor King - all he ever wanted was to love someone and be loved in return. He adores his new found affection and just can't seem to get enough of it! He's a trooper this big guy and deserves the best life has to offer. Oh, and he was also full of fleas when he was found! The rescue has treated for this though and he is no longer scratching himself. If you are interested in KING of the HILL, contact Speaking of Dogs Rescue. www.speakingofdogs.com
Ollie
Ollie is a pointer mix who is about 6 years old and is a neutered male. He lived with a family all his life but his guardian took ill and could not longer take care of Ollie. Currently in foster care in Toronto, he is doing very well and has shown to be a happy go lucky kind of boy who enjoys going for walks, is house trained, crate trained and is not destructive when left alone. He settles nicely in the house and is attentive, food motivated and knows sit, wait and shake a paw. He's not perfectly leash trained and does pull to some degree but foster parents are teaching him leash manners and he's catching on very quickly - he loves to learn new things, especially when there is a liver treat involved! He's about 40 pounds, he's tall, good body weight and has been well cared for over the years. If you are interested in Ollie, please contact Speaking of Dogs Rescue. www.speakingofdogs.com
