by E.A. Paul

Created on: December 06, 2008   Last Updated: December 07, 2008

It's unfortunate that most people who want to rescue a dog are not willing to take on the responsibility of caring for an older or sick dog. After all, it's quite a large commitment, as older or sick dogs do need special care. If the dog has an incurable disease like cancer, or just a disease that requires special attention, this will be a big burden for your mental, emotional, and financial health. If the dog is old but healthy, he/she won't live as long as a younger dog, and you may want a dog who is going to live longer. These are just some of the reasons why some people won't take on the responsibility of rescuing an older or sick dog.

Although there are probably more reasons why someone won't rescue an older or sick dog than reasons why they would, there is another way to look at this. First, you have to come away with an enormous amount of understanding. You have to realize and understand that an older or sick dog deserves and needs your love and care just like a younger and healthy dog does. Of course you can come up with a lot of reasons why you won't rescue an older or sick dog, but aren't these reasons really excuses? Think about it for a moment. You are actually coming up with reasons to rescue a younger healthier dog to fit your own agenda, not the dog's agenda. Now, don't get me wrong here. I'm not judging you in any way whatsoever. I'm just trying to get you into the mindset that I have been working on myself for years. That is, to try and think about the welfare of another being first instead of thinking about my welfare first. It's more of a selfless mindset of giving rather than receiving. Sometimes it takes a lifetime to get into this mode of thinking.

On the other hand, you may have a very good reason for not wanting to rescue an older or sick dog. You might not be able to provide the time or care that an older or sick dog needs. It all depends on the situation. For instance, if the dog is very sick or very old, you may not be able to provide the time and care he/she needs due to your work schedule. Perhaps you work a lot of hours, or you travel a lot and have to leave your dog in a kennel, in which the kennel may not be able to cater to a sick or older dog. In other words, you just aren't physically able to be there when your dog needs you the most.

But let's talk about an entirely different situation. Let's say you want to rescue a dog and you have the time and means to cater to an older or sick dog. Think about how happy the dog will be just being with you. With all the love and understanding that you give him/her, you will get back just as much. Rescuing an older or sick dog is a very noble act indeed. If the dog is sick, you are able to financially support him/her with their medication. If the dog is old, you will be making him/her happy and comfortable with your love in their golden years. It's quite a good feeling to be able to take a sick or older dog and make them feel loved and cared for in their few remaining years. You will be doing the older or sick dog a great service by taking them into your home and caring for them. It takes a special and giving person to take care of an older or sick dog. The next time an older or sick dog needs to be rescued, let that special and giving person be you.

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