by Bridie Cavanaugh

Created on: December 29, 2008

Go to any animal shelter, especially in the springtime, and you will see people crowded around the puppies. The phone will ring and the "do you have any puppies?" question will be answered again and again. Sitting sadly nearby, tails wagging, noses poking through bars will be the older dogs. Hoping to catch your attention and be taken home. There are many benefits to adopting an older dog. Please do not pass them by.

Older dogs are more likely to be put to sleep or to live out their lives in a shelter than puppies. People view them as "used", "damaged goods" or "someone else's problem". They don't understand why any good dog would be placed in a shelter once it has passed puppy hood. There are so many reasons. An older dog may find itself a victim of the poor economic situation. His family may not feel they are able to afford his upkeep. His owner may have died or been placed in a nursing home. He could have been part of a military family now assigned overseas. His family may have decided to move and not wanted the "bother" of taking him along. A new and exciting puppy may have come along to take his place. His owner may have a new human "significant other" who does not appreciate the wonders of a dog. A great dog finds him self living on a cold shelter floor rather than a warm comfy dog bed for reasons beyond their control.

The next time you stop by the shelter consider these benefits to adopting an older dog:

1. House Training - More than likely the older dog has learned how to "do his business" outside. Once introduced into your home, back in a routine, and shown the appropriate places to go he will be so much easier than a puppy. No late night 2:00am pee breaks. No accidents when you stay out a little later than planned. No newspapers or puppy pee pads ruining your dcor.

2. Obedience - Your new dog should know the basic rules of dog life. He should know how he fits into a household. He may even know leash walking and obedience skills or even more! While you may want to consider taking a brush up obedience class, especially as they help with bonding, you may find that your new dog catches on very quickly to commands you wish to enforce.

3. Personality - The rescue/shelter organization where you find your dog should be able to work with you and help you find the right personality fit for your household. An older dog will have already developed their personality and therefore it is more of a "known quantity" than it would be with an adopted puppy. Are they good

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