Your Opinion: Adopting 8+ Years Of Age

[GeoGeo]

My friend up north is wanting to adopt a dog that is about 8 years old and it was hinted that it might possibly need a procedure in the future...nothing for sure. Any of you adopted an older dog or have an opinion on adopting older dogs? I think there is someone for just about any pet, but not sure about my friends taking on a dog that could possibly need thousands of dollars worth of work done in the future. Having a pet and then something happening down the road is one thing, but starting off with that looming over the heads. I just wondered what others thought of the situation?

[Boudicca]

Almost 3 years ago, Hubby and I adoped a then 12 year old Yorkie" Little Bear" after seeing him featured here on TOTV. Hes the finest, smartest and most affectionate pet we have ever taken on. We already had another adoptee "Meg" a similar senior citezen, Beagle/Corgie. Both dogs thrive together, and although Bear does have serious health issues, he contunues to do well on his meds, We hace no regrets and love our pets dearly

[redwitch]

I'd definitely have an older dog checked out by a trusted vet. If that vet says nay, then I'd regretfully pass. The only bad thing about an older pet is you don't get to love them quite as long as you would most puppies, if the dog is in reasonable health. But no housebreaking!

[graciegirl]

Vet bills are a very realistic obstacle. Harry's bill for check up and blood work last week was right at $250.

When you adopt a pet...I think you adopt the responsibility for proper care. If it is beyond your means, than don't do it.

That isn't unkind, it is realistic.

[Cisco Kid]

My friend up north is wanting to adopt a dog that is about 8 years old and it was hinted that it might possibly need a procedure in the future...nothing for sure. Any of you adopted an older dog or have an opinion on adopting older dogs? I think there is someone for just about any pet, but not sure about my friends taking on a dog that could possibly need thousands of dollars worth of work done in the future. Having a pet and then something happening down the road is one thing, but starting off with that looming over the heads. I just wondered what others thought of the situation?

Your friend is an angel.

[rdhdleo]

If your friend can afford the possible financial expenses that may be incurred than of course do it. Every pet deserves a good home and a chance for love and kindness in it's later years, not unlike us humans, no matter that age. I she adopts does she have a grace period to have the pet checked pout and get a reputable Vets. opinion? You just can't put a price sometimes on the unconditional love these fur babies can give!

[duffysmom]

On the other hand if someone in their late sixties or early seventies were to purchase a puppy, the puppy may outlive the owner. What then? Small breeds can live 18 years. My Maltese was adopted at 4 months and he developed very serious health issues which required mucho $$. It's a crap shoot and we can only live one day at a time. Tell your friend to listen to his heart.

[plimit56]

We have adopted many senior dogs over the years and they deserve to be happy and in a happy home no matter how long they have. They know they are now being loved and will always be thankful to you for taking them in.

[lanabanana73]

We Seniors need love and a soft place to land for our later years. What goes around, comes around.

[JoMar]

My suggestion is to let your friend up north make that decision and stay away from providing advice based on what you would do. I assume your friend is an adult so it is their decision.

[Debfrommaine]

My suggestion is to let your friend up north make that decision and stay away from providing advice based on what you would do. I assume your friend is an adult so it is their decision.

Agree.

Given that, there are many senior dogs in excellent health that deserve a good home. Often we hear of stories of owners who die before their dog and then what....they end up in a shelter or worse. We can only pray a compassionate soul comes along to offer a second chance and the union is successful. And we have to remember that provisions should be made for our dogs in the event we pass on before them. Sorry to get off topic but I'm sorta passionate about this!

[GeoGeo]

JoMar, I think you are right. Let them make their own decision. They were torn about the decision and I thought maybe the opinion of others who had been there before would help them in deciding. But then again if I were to influence their decision and it didn't turn out right for them they might blame me. Let them figure it out. But all dogs need a home.

[Boudicca]

I forgot to add that we do have pet health insurance which is a great help with Bear's prescriptions

[Barefoot]

My friend up north is wanting to adopt a dog that is about 8 years old and it was hinted that it might possibly need a procedure in the future...nothing for sure. Any of you adopted an older dog or have an opinion on adopting older dogs?

We have adopted many senior dogs over the years and they deserve to be happy and in a happy home no matter how long they have. They know they are now being loved and will always be thankful to you for taking them in.


.... there are many senior dogs in excellent health that deserve a good home. Often we hear of stories of owners who die before their dog and then what....they end up in a shelter or worse. We can only pray a compassionate soul comes along to offer a second chance and the union is successful. And we have to remember that provisions should be made for our dogs in the event we pass on before them. Sorry to get off topic but I'm sorta passionate about this!

I have an opinion on adopting older dogs.
Your friends up north are wonderfully compassionate people to consider adopting an 8 year old dog.
If it weren't for people like your friends, these dogs would face a lifetime in a shelter, or being euthanized.

Our 70 lb Portuguese Water Dog had four homes before we adopted her. She is fabulous, full of personality, very obedient, just wanting to please us.
My husband says she is the best dog he has ever had, and we've both had a lot of dogs.

Susan G is a great one to talk to, she is a champion of adopting older dogs.
She is an inspiration.

[Susan G]

Thanks, Bare....
Yes, I have been a fan of adopting older dogs for some time. My last one, Midnight, was 11 1/2 yrs old, HW positive and skinny as a rail. I rescued him, had him treated (took 2 yrs) and Midnight just passed away last year at the age of 17 1/2. He was a wonderful dog and I was happy to give him the best years of his life. Although it is painful to lose them sooner than a puppy, at least as others have mentioned, you don't leave them behind as we age, move to assisted living or pass on.

My answer is YES.... your friend should adopt a senior dog!!!

[mfp509]

I adopted 2 dogs - both 8 yrs old at the time. Missy was with me for 7 yrs - no issues except the normal renal failure toward the end. Sunny is still with me - no issues, just normal vet visits. I will adopt another older dog in the future, also - it's sad that they are overlooked so much. That's why I have that comment at the bottom of all my posts.

[Debfrommaine]

Our doggie rescue recently had a successful "senior" adoption here in The Villages. The "pup" suited their lifestyle in that she is calm, adjusted her outdoor walking gait to the owner at a slower pace providing exercise for both, is housebroken and happy to be loved! Senior dogs can be terrific in many ways.

[GeoGeo]

Glad to see so many people have had positive experiences adopting senior pets. I think some men (at least my friend's husband and even my husband) are leary about older pets. They see heartache looming right around the corner...not to mention a ton of medical bills right of the bat. But I look at it as the years of love you gain and helping a senior have a good home in their later years. Plus a person can adopt a puppy and the puppy comes down with a lot of expensive medical bills. Nobody has a crystal ball that I know of. If you do, can I borrow it?

[Barefoot]

Glad to see so many people have had positive experiences adopting senior pets. I think some men (at least my friend's husband and even my husband) are leary about older pets. They see heartache looming right around the corner...not to mention a ton of medical bills right of the bat. But I look at it as the years of love you gain and helping a senior have a good home in their later years. Plus a person can adopt a puppy and the puppy comes down with a lot of expensive medical bills. Nobody has a crystal ball that I know of. If you do, can I borrow it?

Hopefully we are a compassionate society, most of us.
The older pets that are surrended to the humane society have little chance of being adopted.
If you adopt an older pet, you can really feel good about it.
Plus you are freeing up a place for another rescue, a double benefit. :doggie: :doggie:

Not to dwell on the negative, but a long life isn't promised to any of us.
Therefore buying a puppy at our age may mean that the dog ends up in a Shelter.
Plus many retirees want a dog that is toilet trained, walks on a leash, etc.

We go daily to the private dog park, DDRR. Almost every dog there seems to be adopted.
I often hear the comment, "Our dog came from a shelter, and it's the best dog we've ever had".
It's a wonderful thing. :MOJE_whot: