by Sherry Horton Blake

Created on: December 07, 2008

Some things increase in value with age, i.e. cheese, wine, coins, grandmother's quilt. Old dogs, though, are just old dogs. If you are seeking a dog, you want a frolicking, active puppy not an old dog. Old dogs just get under foot, are finicky about food, sometimes leak on the floor and will not even chase a ball or stick. Why would anyone want an old dog?

Of course I have heard (but it is only a rumor) that there are a very few people out there who never follow the crowd, who hate conformity and who actually value such out-dated traits as unconditional love, undying loyalty and total devotion. If it is true that these people do exist, then it could be possible that they would indeed want an old dog, but they are certainly the only ones. Therefore, if the rest of you could just close your ears, I will address my comments to those few people.

First of all, you must understand that other people will think you are strange if you decide to rescue an old dog; however, this really should not bother you since you have probably been thought of as strange most of your life. I understand you, though, because if you rescue a dog, you would like the dog to at least be grateful (something you had hoped for in your children for years). You can be assured that if you do decide to rescue an old dog from a shelter, that dog will definitely be grateful, even without being given a guilt trip. Puppies on the other hand are never grateful, but why should they be? They are cute enough that they are sure to be adopted by someone so why would they be grateful to you? Old dogs, on the other hand, know the chances are slim that someone will take them home. They sit day after day, watching people come and go, wishing but never daring to hope. If you actually were to take one home, can you imagine how grateful that dog would be? That's where the unconditional love, undying loyalty and total devotion come in.

Old dogs are also much more likely to be housebroken than puppies. Unless you enjoy stepping in a puddle in your stocking feet while walking through your house, you will appreciate this fact. Old dogs realize it is just plain bad manners to use the floor as a toilet, whereas puppies seem to relish the idea. Old dogs also know that nighttime is for sleeping, not for playing, taking frequent bathroom breaks and eating. Furthermore, old dogs are team players. They have never been allowed to wallow in their own importance, and they realize that life is best for them when life is best for you.

Old dogs can indeed be a problem, but certainly no more of a problem than puppies. I am quite convinced that you will find that the benefits of rescuing an old dog far outweigh the benefits of adopting a puppy (but only if you are one of the aforementioned strange people). Do remember, though, that it is very important, when you take an old dog home, to be consistent in your care and in your love of that old dog. After all, some have been kicked around, abandoned and/or ignored in the past. (You can especially appreciate this if you have had these experiences yourself). An old dog needs consistent, loving care. Remember the unconditional love, undying loyalty and total devotion? Well, I forgot to tell you, this works both ways.

Next time you stop by a shelter, do take time to laugh at the antics of the puppies and maybe give them a scratch or pat. When you are through with the superficialities, however, look into the eyes of an old dog, wrap him in grandmother's quilt and take him home.

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