Adopting older "kids"

Our dogs have all been rescues. Some purebred, some not. Currently we have a 12 year old Scottish Terrier who developed diabetes two years ago, then cataracts and is now blind. We full time and she still loves to go outside and smell new places. She has all her other senses and recognizes people she knows, etc.

Yes it is hard to lose them, we get so attached. But think of how many lives we have loved and saved through rescuing and how many have lived better lives because we have taken them in when they were old and loved them for as long as we can. Nothing wrong with that.

My son's rescue was just given a devastating diagnosis for which there is no cure. He is part pit and discarded at one time. My son got him from a foster and has loved him all this time. Son got married and had a little girl who loves her dog. It will be sad for all, but at least Jax has known what love is for his senior years.

As I get older I have thought if I want another dog after my wee one dies, I might look at adopting older, unwanted dogs. I shouldn't have to worry about them outliving me and I will be able to give an older dog a great life at the end of his time.

Dale

All 4 of our dogs have been rescues and older. The oldest was 14 when we adopted her, she was with us for 1 1/2 yrs. Another of ours was a puppy mill survivor and 9 yrs old when we adopted. She lived for only another 1 1/2 yrs. The next was a kennel breeder and 7 yrs old - he was with us 5 1/2 yrs, and our current was 8 yrs old and has been with us for 5 yrs and a few months now. Thankfully she is very healthy except for failing eyesight. We wouldn't trade a minute of the time we spent with them and will do it all over again when the time comes.

Only words of wisdom would be - be patient with them while they adjust to their new home. We had one that pooped in each room of the house. We told him gently that was naughty - you have to go outside - would put him out. He went thru each room of the house - did his duty - was told no, outside again, and then never had another accident other than when sick in the house . They need to learn what is expected of them and it doesn't usually take long. They will worm their way right into your heart. Go for it!

What a wonderful idea to even consider adopting an older dog...or cat. Our daughter has an older adopted cat now. He’s a treasure!

x2 on what Crowe said.

I have a 3-1/2 year old cocker spaniel. IF something happens to him before his normal life span and I am still able to take care of one, I will adopt one or a bonded pair of cocker spaniels and give them a good, quality life for whatever time they have left.

Go for it.

I think the only "regret" you will have is if you don't adopt them.

I guess that sums it up.....our kids love to go Camping(RV'ing) and Yes, they all go with us. Thank You!!!

I adopted a 13 year old golden. Her owners died, the daughter took her pitbull brother but couldn't take both. The son wouldn't take her in. I had her for just over 2 years. I have never regretted it. She went camping, to the drive-in, and had a good few last years.

Several years ago, I adopted a 30+ year old parrot. He spent many years in a cage. He had bad arthritis in his feet, had mini seizures, and was overweight. Now, he is out of his cage most days, is active and has lost weight, his arthritis is almost non-existent. Very rarely has a seizure. And he goes camping and loves it!

Give the dogs new experiences and a happy old age. You will never regret it. Yes, they will be gone sooner than later, but they had quality for it. So worth it!

Names won't be an issue for these two...its Elvis and Rosie. If you look at my signature you'll see we have always names our kids with names that end in "ie" except for one who already had a name(Cooper) but we called him Coopie and this new kiddo, Elvis!!! :-)

We only adopt strays. We now have a discarded coon hound and a 9 year old Lab / Chow 108 pound solid black mix that was expertly trained and then discarded in our driveway (we live on a farm in the country). We have never in 40 years had a pure bred dog here.

Take that back. We had a Rhodesian Ridgeback for a while but found him a good home. he's still there.

IMNO. mutt's make the best companions.

Remember Dog spelled backwards is GOD.

Hardest part is trying to figure out what their name was in their other life.

Our coon hound is Dutchess and the Lab/Chow is Quincy. Quincy looks the part 'mean' but is a big baby.

he is very protective of my wife and I however and at 108 pounds, you'd be a fool to mess with him.

Quincy goes everywhere with us including camping and believe me, no one walks through out campsite... ever.