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Rescuing a dog that is old or sick can be a challenge. I should know - most of the 30+ dogs that we have rescued has had health or behavior issues and several of them were older.

There was Dark Eyes (renamed Miz Mischief) who came to us with back & hip problems, naked and with nasty-looking allergy inflamed eyes. Mr Odin Bear, a classic German Shepherd, was an elderly old gentleman of a dog who had broken his leg in three places and put out an eye trying to escape a coyote trap before ending up at the dog pound. And then there was Keya - an older, 150 pound Akita/German Shepherd who didn't like her teeth looked at and let everyone know it.

These animals had all been passed over for the adoption program at our local shelter and were going to be euthanized. Due to overcrowding, many shelters are forced to make hard decisions. Most people do not want to take on the burden of a dog that already has numerous health problems and old dogs are generally passed over in favor of their younger, more playful neighbors. Even most rescue groups tend to take dogs and cats that will be easier to place - after all, the quicker the animals are placed, the quicker the rescue can save the next batch of pets.

But like grandparents, older dogs have a lot to offer those they come to love. Older dogs make perfect companions for retirees or the elderly who may be slowing down a bit themselves. Old dogs at the shelters have watched crowds of people walk past their kennels, only to stop in front of the puppy down the walk. They have seen younger, more energetic dogs by the dozen led away by new owners and somehow they sense that their time is growing short. Rescuing an old dog from a shelter will, most of the time, give you a dog that has been housebroken and trained NOT to chew your favorite shoes. You may even find yourself with a dog that knows some pretty fancy tricks for an old dog. You will definitely find yourself with a companion who is happy to be out of the shelter, with a full food bowl and a warm place to sleep. Old dogs are proof that love and companionship should never be measured in years, but rather in the devotion and care between friends.

Dogs with health problems also often get the short end of the stick. With more dogs & cats coming into the shelter than are being adopted, shelter workers must often choose which of the animals in their care are going to make a trip over "The Rainbow Bridge". And when choosing between a dog that is injured or in need of sometimes expensive medical care or a vibrant, healthy animal, it seems like an easy choice. But many of the dogs & cats that must be sacrificed for the "greater good" are actually very salvageable animals that can make someone a great pet. Miz Mischief, after a year of wholesome food, herbal medications and "puppy chiropractics" regained most of hair and, on warm days, enjoys wandering around the backyard and rolling in the grass. Keya, now a lazy thirteen year old matron, is happily dozing her remaining days away dreaming in the shade of our wisteria bush. And Odin Bear, though we lost him in his sleep three years ago, spent his remaining time reigning over whatever "pack" of rescue dogs were living with us at the moment. He chased cows and bunnies through the pastures, swam in the stock pond and worshipped my husband. I think he knew that he'd literally been yanked from death's door at the last possible moment.

The love and memories that these old and sick dogs have given us have more than made up for any medical bills or inconvenience caused by their illnesses, injuries and age.

Learn more about this author, Sherry Law.
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