The expression, "don't shop, adopt!" is definitely one of my favorites, and I believe it whole-heartedly. However, I do think that there should be something added to it. When you go into a shelter to buy a dog, ask to see the oldest one there.

Dogs are the greatest creatures to ever walk this planet, and that is an understatement.

After my dog passed away back in 2016, I had realized how much better my life had been with something who could always make the bad days good and the good days better. I knew that the moment I was able to get a dog, I would.

While I knew it would be a long time—exactly four years from now as my dad would say—I still began to look around on adoption sites for dogs. As I scrolled through each profile I had taken note that in the top left corner it said "MID AGE," or "PUPPY." Then it hit me:

I'm going to find the senior dogs because I want the last days of their lives to be the greatest.

I put it in the filter to narrow down my search, and there he was. His name was Jack. He looked like a beagle, but anyone could tell that he was a complete mutt and that I was completely in love with him.

Much to my dismay, my parents told me that I would not be getting a dog now and that I had nowhere to put him. Seemed to be reasonable enough, but the love between Jack and I is very strong.

All throughout my life I had imagined that when I was older I would have a German Shepherd, a Corgi, and a St. Bernard. Two big dogs to protect me and a little dog that definitely thinks he can. I didn't think about all the older dogs who don't have homes and are less likely to be adopted.

My mindset has definitely changed, and I can guarantee you in "exactly four years" you'll see me with my old, grandpa dog who absolutely loves life.

While it's great for people to adopt and not shop, take it a step further; give a great life to an old dog who has been through much more than people could imagine and will still love you unconditionally.