People often overlook senior dogs when they’re looking for a new companion. In fact, a PetFinder survey found that senior pets wait four times longer for a home than their spryer counterparts. But every person who passes on a senior dog is missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
In honor of Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month, here are 17 things only senior dog parents understand.
1. More love than you can ever imagine.
Puppy ruv is one thing, but nothing compares to the endless amounts of love your senior dog gives.
2. A good night’s sleep.
There’s no howling in the middle of the night to play, eat, or go potty. Your dog loves and values sleep as much as you do.
3. A full underwear drawer.
You won’t have to deal with dog shaming. At least, not for this reason. In their golden years, a canine is past the teething and chewing phases.
4. Dogs are like a fine wine.
They get better with age.
5. Living a zen lifestyle.
Have you ever tried doing yoga with a young, energetic dog? It looks like this.
6. Senior dog snuggles.
Looking for the best cuddle buddy in the world? These old ‘n faithfuls won’t let you down.
7. Running out of series to watch on Netflix.
There’s something about those snuggles that make you never want to leave the couch, so you’ll go through “Barks and Rec” seven times. Still, it’s nice to have someone around who won’t judge you when you just feel like staying in on a Saturday night.
8. Your dog is the cutest.
Looks don’t matta. But if they did? Cute pup contest, senior pooches in first place.
9. No. Potty. Training.
Many senior dogs are often already housetrained, but even if they aren’t, they have the mental capacity to pick it up quicker than a puppy necessarily does.
10. You CAN teach an old dog new tricks.
In fact, your dog’s ability to focus makes learning new tricks a breeze.
11. Mega farts.
Let’s face it. Your dog can clear a room. Or a house.
12. What you see is what you get.
When you adopt a senior pooch, you don’t have to play the guessing game to know how big the dog will grow or how its pawsonality will change.
13. Relaxing walks.
Do you enjoy long, relaxing evening strolls? Your dog does too. Senior dogs are less likely to pull on the leash or make you chase them down the street.
14. Having the ultimate family dog.
Patience is a virtue, and your older pup has it. This patient and stable temperament allows a golden-years dog to tolerate children and other animals better than younger dogs.
15. Stress relief.
Hard day at the pawfice? Your pup knows exactly how to make you feel better.
16. Doing viral parodies of classic sitcoms like this:
17. Being a hero.
Adopting a senior dog means saving a life. And you wouldn’t have it any other way.
18. There’s nothing like the bond between a senior pup and its hooman.
Truly.
