Why in the world would anyone ever consider adopting a "senior?"
Why not would be our response! Let us introduce you to Prince. Prince is a 14 and 1/2 year old deaf rescue we took home with us recently from PSSR. We felt sorry for him and didn't want to see him spend his remaining time in an environment where he wouldn't be getting that special one-on-one attention he deserves. We had visions of this poor old sheltie lying around all day just waiting to go to the Rainbow Bridge.
Well, much to our delight, this "old man," as he is so affectionately referred to, has more energy and spunk than the other 3 shelties we have living with us. And let me tell you, he rules the roost. He is the elder of the group and what he says, goes.
We occasionally have an 8-month-old Rottweiler come to visit us. We can yell and scold and discipline that poor puppy to no avail. Prince steps right in. He barks once or twice in the Rottweiler's face, and she sits and doesn't move a muscle. Prince also walks at least one mile with us every day. In fact, he leads the pack. No, he doesn't walk - he struts his stuff all the way.
I have a 6-year-old alpha female who thought she would try to help Prince finish his dinner one night when he first came to us. WRONG! Nobody, and I mean nobody, messes with the "old man's" food. She learned her lesson and has not tried to help out with meals any more.
It's no different having a "senior" than having any other age sheltie. In fact, in many ways, it's a lot easier. He enjoys a good tummy rub and butt scratching just like the others do. Does he occasionally have an accident in the house? Sure. He's old. However, he doesn't have near the amount of accidents that a puppy would! He doesn't chew on your favorite slipper or piece of furniture. He doesn't jump up on that chair he's not supposed to. And by being deaf, he doesn't bark wildly when the doorbell rings.
He loves to play, he loves attention and he definitely is not inactive. He is an absolute joy to have in our lives. We are the lucky ones to have him with us. Prince brings an unconditional love and maturity that no puppy could ever have. A "senior" is an excellent teacher. They have the uncanny ability to teach you love, patience, compassion, how to cry and how to forgive. Those qualities don't come with a puppy.
We will love and cherish our "old man" until he crosses the Rainbow Bridge. Don't ever hesitate to bring a "senior" into your life. You'll find the love and compassion you give a "senior" far outweighs any doubts you could possibly ever have. You can't compare the joy and satisfaction you'll feel knowing that this precious furchild will be able to finish out his/her life with a loving, caring family.
So - why would you ever adopt a "senior?" WHY NOT?