by Kelly Nevin

Created on: December 02, 2008   Last Updated: April 16, 2011

The decision to adopt any dog is one not to be taken lightly. Adopting an older or sick dog presents an entirely new set of challenges, some not for the faint of heart. However, giving one of these animals a home can one of the best decisions you can make for yourself, and your new best friend.

Older dogs are not necessarily sick, but since the average life expectancy of a dog is 10-12 years, you must prepare for more frequent trips to the vet when adopting a mature dog. Adult rescue dogs may have come from abusive situations, but could also have been given up due to extraneous circumstances, such as a move or a divorce. Some owners simply lost interest because the dog is no longer a puppy. That being said, there are plenty of benefits to adopting a dog who has been around the block, and is already past the rambunctious puppy stage:

1. An older dog doesn't need to be house trained like a puppy does.
2. Dogs that have been around for a while already have had to acclimate to different environments, so they tend to have an easier time settling into your home.
3. Older rescue dogs have had some hard knocks, and are grateful to be given a second chance. When a grown dog is put into a new situation, he is looking for leadership and will attach to you, most times quicker than a puppy would.
4. There is no need to guess what an older dog's personality will be like in a year, whereas a puppy's disposition can change dramatically when he gets older.
5. Older dogs are past the "chewing stage," so shoes and furniture can be saved.

Dogs can become sick at any stage in life, and sadly, many owners can't or don't want to deal with a dog's illness. These dogs can end up in a shelter or rescue, along with those who became ill while staying in the facility, and sick dogs saved from the street. If the dog has a major, contagious illness, most likely he will not be able to stay in the facility to protect the other animals. Most rescue organizations have foster programs where a dog can stay in a home until he is healthy, and then return to the facility to hopefully get adopted. In fact, fostering any dog-sick, healthy, young or old-is a great service, and a fantastic way to get to know a dog before the decision to adopt is made.

Just like humans, dogs age, and they get sick, but it doesn't mean that they need love any less. In fact, at such a vulnerable stage in their lives, a loving home is even more appreciated and necessary.

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