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5 Reasons You Should Adopt A Senior Dog

Why you shouldn't overlook the older dogs when looking for the perfect furry addition to your family

Emmaclaire

Apr 24, 2019

University of Oregon

125

Emma Claire Ellis

Adopting a senior dog might just turn out to be the best decision you could ever make, here's why!

1. They already have a personality

my 8 year old dog Monkey

Emma Claire Ellis

When adopting a puppy, they will be super playful and have all the 'puppy-like' personality traits, as they explore the world and discover what they are doing! This can be super adorable, but as the puppy grows into a dog, there is always a chance that they may develop a different personality than expected. And, if you have kids or other animals, they could act out or fight with them, causing conflict in your home. With senior dogs, they have already developed into the dog they are. They might be playful, silly, lazy, or super attached, and you can figure out what works for you before you adopt, allowing for an easier and happier transition.

2. They go at a slower pace

When life is full of fast-paced activities and constant work, having a senior dog can teach you to relax and enjoy the simple things. Senior dogs love relaxing, eating, and hanging out with their best friend- you! If you like to take things a bit slower, adopting a senior dog can prove a perfect match. Even if you do enjoy constant adventure, there could be a senior dog who can come along from the ride, while still teaching you to stop and smell the roses!

3. They love to cuddle

Emma Claire Ellis

Senior dogs are usually dealing with the effects of old age, and even if they are still totally healthy, they usually want to sleep and rest a whole lot more than puppies and younger dogs. They've seen all the playing there is to do, and they know how comfy it is to sleep and even more, cuddle. If you are looking for a dog to snuggle up with to read, watch Netflix or nap, senior dogs are a great bet. My senior dog Monkey can sleep and cuddle for hours and hours, loving every minute of it.

4. They are often overlooked

Unfortunately, most senior dogs can easily be overlooked and forgotten. The hustle and bustle of animal shelters can tend to lead to the more outgoing and hyper dogs being seen and adopted first and most often. Senior dogs that prefer to avoid the noise, might not be considered at all. By giving them a chance, you can discover an amazing dog, and prevent them from being stuck in a cage for months on end. Take the extra time to see what a senior dog is like, and understand what they've gone through. You will find some amazing dogs who just want a loving home.

5. You are giving them a new 'leash' on life!

Many senior dogs have back stories of sadness and hardship. Maybe they were abused or abandoned. Maybe their owner passed away, or they were giving up due to unfortunate situations. Perhaps they lived as a stray for most of their life. No matter what their previous story is, you can make the entire rest of their life amazing and happy. You can give them enough love to make up for all of the hurt they have endured before. Dog's lives are too short, but by giving them a happy life for however many years you are together, you provide them a fresh, happy start.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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5 Reasons You Should Adopt A Senior Dog

Why you shouldn't overlook the older dogs when looking for the perfect furry addition to your family

1. They already have a personality

2. They go at a slower pace

3. They love to cuddle

4. They are often overlooked

5. You are giving them a new 'leash' on life!

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May the odds be ever in your favor.

Phase One: The “I got this” phase

Phase Two: The “I have time” phase

Phase Three: The uncontrollable sobbing phase

Phase Four: The “help me, I've fallen and I can't get up” phase

Phase Five: The rejoicing phase

10 ways to prepare for finals week—beginning with getting to the library.

Who knows where we would be without them.

1. Thank you for laughing at my jokes, even when they really aren’t funny.

2. Thank you for singing unbearably loud with me all the time.

3. Thank you for letting me vent to you for hours about anything and basically being my personal therapist.

4. Thank you for ordering pizza with me at 2 in the morning.

5. Thank you for all the movie days when we don’t feel like moving.

6. Thank you for being my workout buddy everyday.

7. Thank you for sharing your closets with me.

8. Thank you for taking naps with me at random hours during the day.

9. Thank you for cleaning our home with me when we absolutely need to.

10. Thank you for all the rides when it’s late and you don’t want me to walk home alone in the dark.

11. Thank you for studying with me in our kitchen when we didn't want to go the library.

12. Thank you for making dinner with me.

13. Thank you for helping with my hair, makeup and outfit every time we go out.

14. Thank you for taking countless ugly pictures with me.

15. Thank you for not judging me when I go too long without showering.

16. Thank you for making our apartment feel like a second home.

17. Thank you for being there through all of our boy troubles.

18. Thank you for giving me a hug when I feel homesick.

19. Thank you for getting excited with me when one of us gets a good grade on an exam.

20. Thank you for still being my friend and not judging me when I say or do dumb things.

21. Thank you for telling me what I should do when I am sick.

22. Thank you for dancing horribly with me everywhere we go.

23. Thank you for staying up super late with me when we aren’t tired or can’t sleep.

24. Thank you for being super weird with me.

25. Thank you for all the unforgettable college memories.

26. And most of all, thank you for being the best friends a girl could have.

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2. "What class do I need to study for the most?"

3. "I’m going to ace this."

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5."I have no idea what I'm reading."

6. "I should call my smart friend about this."

7. "I’m going to fail. I’m going to fail."

8. "I’m dropping out of school."

9. "What grade do I have to get on the final to pass the class?"

10. "Oh, no, I have to do good."

11. "I shouldn’t have procrastinated all semester."

12. "I wanna go to bed."

13. "We did not learn this!"

14. "I should go get food."

15. "Why do we even have finals?"

16. "I don’t want to be at the library."

17. "Get off your phone."

18. "I can watch Netflix for like 20 minutes and then go back to studying."

19. "I shouldn’t have watched Netflix."

20. "You have to study now!"

The "Happiest Place on Earth" has a lot of characters with some pretty great advice.

Remember you’re the one who can fill the world with sunshine. — Snow White

The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it. — Rafiki

You don't have time to be timid. You must be bold and daring. — Lumière

If watching is all you're gonna do, then you're gonna watch your life go by without ya. — Laverne

Sometimes the right path is not the easiest one. — Grandmother Willow

Always let your conscience be your guide. — Jiminy Cricket

To infinity and beyond. — Buzz Lightyear

Life is a journey to be experienced, not a problem to be solved. — Pooh

Let it go. — Elsa

If you can't say something nice, don't say nothin' at all. — Thumper

Today's special moments are tomorrow's memories. — Genie

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