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Considering adoption of an older dog, your thoughts...?

Started 5 months ago by sbre
Latest reply from westcoastdeb

sbre
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My wife, the 2 cockatiels & I are considering making room for an older dog who needs a warm and loving home to live out its final years.

We've got a small and secure back yard that will work well for a less-playful pooch, plenty of space in this 3-story house for him/her to set up camp, and the desire to again have mans-best-friend back in our lives.

The birds are never caged and roam free about the home during the day, the dog will share the entire space with the 4 of us and we feel this can be done harmoniously with all species involved.

Without a doubt will do a home visit or two with the dog to see how it and the birds react to eachother.

We also realize the possibilities (likelihood) of medical issues, medications, special diet and such. We also know we probably need to know more before we make a decision. That's were you come in.

What additional issues do you feel we need to be aware of that I've not mentioned.

Please, oh please(!!!) don't reply with or send your heart-breaking stories of a dog that needs a home right now, we're nowhere near ready to do this. We'll cross that bridge when the time is right.

However, please do write with your insights and/or experiences.

Thank you and enjoy...

A&M

Posted 5 months ago #
KBear
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Adopting an older dog can be a very rewarding experience. Some dogs that get overlooked at the shelter because of their age have a lot of life left in them. But their health and mobility may deteriorate rapidly, so make sure you've thought about what you'll do when your dog is no longer able to climb stairs. Will he still be able to get in and out of your house and access the back yard?

Posted 5 months ago #
clark5080
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Go for it sounds like a rewarding thing to do

Posted 5 months ago #
JimmyG
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Adopting senior dogs is a great idea and we've been doing it for years.
I highly recommend taking a look at http://www.olddoghaven.org/
They are a great rescue group and we have adopted several of our most recent old guys through them.
One thing you may look at is fostering for them. It's a commitment, but not as long-term and may let you see both the good and bad sides of having a senior dog around.

We have only had positive experiences with our older rescues, they are so grateful, and bring so much to your life.
Adopting an older dog is an awesome idea.

Posted 5 months ago #
csw2119
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I second "Old Dog Haven". I have donated to them for years, they do great work.

One of the last dogs I adopted was 8 years. She came with issues, and I was told up front about them. She has done really well in the 1 1/2 I have had her. (She came from the Maltese Rescue in Vancouver, WA.)

One of the great things about Old Dog Haven, is the dogs that they adopt out have had medical services. So if they needed teeth pulled, surgeries, grooming. . . it's been done.

Things to thing about with older dogs:
1. How long can they stay by themselves with out a potty break.
2.Medical issues
3.How are they around small kids or other dogs
4.Special diet?
5.Life span
6.Blind or deaf dogs are perfectly happy and great dogs, they just need more patience.
7.THEY ARE OUT OF THE PUPPY STAGE!!!

I have 3 dogs, 1 1/2 yr, 9yr,and 13yr (He's mostly blind and deaf, it's no problem). They are all different and you can't help but love them all.

Posted 5 months ago #
guidosmom
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I would go for it without a doubt. Here is my story:
Several years ago I adopted an older lab shepherd mix. She had recently had a litter of puppies, had been tied to a vacant mobile home, stabbed, and left for dead. Fortunately a lady found who and brought her to a shelter. She had pretty severe arthritis, some hip dysplasia, and walked with a limp. She was one of the sweetest and most loving dogs I have ever known. She remained a loving companion and friend to my other dog for almost four years when she suddenly declined very fast and had to be let go. It was not always easy but I would never change it for a second.

Her condition actually improved a bit during the first year or two. I fed her a good high quality, high protein low carb food. She got dental care, a joint supplement, adequan injections and light but regular exercise.

I hope you do decide to adopt an older dog. There are so many of them out there that would love to have a loving and warm home.

Posted 5 months ago #
hammerhead
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3rd for old dog haven, and all the others posts.

You can't go wrong with either way:)

Posted 5 months ago #
furryfaces
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Be prepared to be loved and appreciated. Our program ‘Oliver’s Fund’ is named after an old cat that was rescued off the streets when he was 13 -14 years old. He lived in his ‘retirement home’ for almost 6 years. Awesome boy!
• Go to a Vet that believes geriatric dogs can have quality lives in their golden years. (Lien Animal Clinic or Greentree Vet).
• Hook up with Pet Elements to discuss nutrition and supplements.
• Research different products that can enhance their lives, for example, a hip harness that helps them get up and down steps or off their bed.
• If you have a lot of steps to get in and out of your house, is there a way to make a ramp, (if needed).

Fostering an older dog for Old Dog Haven, A.A.R.F. or Seattle Animal Shelter is an excellent idea. It’s a great gift for the older dog who stays in the shelter longer, and you may just find your purrfect match. Good luck.

Posted 5 months ago #
sbre
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bump...

Posted 5 months ago #
goodgraces
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Old dogs are one of the most beautiful things on Earth. I adore them. You *cannot* go wrong adopting one. He or she will strengthen and open your heart.

In terms of medical issues -- age is no guarantee, of health or otherwise. One of our most beloved dogs passed away at the age of 16 earlier this year, and it wasn't until the last year of his life that he had any issues requiring intervention. Contrast that with one of our other dogs who had medical issues her whole life, from age 2 on.

Good luck in your search -- it is a wonderful road you are heading down.

Posted 5 months ago #
JoB
Member Profile

i adopted an older Akita over 20 years ago.

Within weeks we found out she had epilepsy.
She graced our lives for another 7 years with only one more epileptic episode until one day we knew that would be her last beach trip.

She was and still is the dog of my heart... although the next that we got as a puppy and she raised stole my husband's.

There was something about her "we're in this together and i will stick by you" attitude that has never left that little corner of my mind she occupies to this day.

"older" is the companion stage of sharing your life with a dog.

This year our pups finally began flirting with "I am an adult now" stage of their lives at 6+ and I couldn't be happier..

For all of the gushing over puppies,
there is nothing quite so wonderful as a dog who tilts their head as they listen attentively to your slightest whisper and holds your eye to let you know they understand.

More often now i do things with my dogs instead of for them.

I suspect these two are my last young ones..
at this stage in life i no longer have the energy to invest in that kids stage...
When these two leave me,
i intend to skip the kid stage and look for a seasoned friend to settle in with.

in the best of circumstances ... pets are the only kids we raise who give back the benefit of all that effort on a daily basis in their golden years...

When you adopt an older dog, you reap those benefits much sooner.

I can't recommend adopting an older dog enough...

Posted 5 months ago #
csw2119
Member Profile

My oldest dog (13) has epilepsy also. He was probably born with it. I adopted him at about 3 years old, and with in months he had his first seizure. He lives a perfectly normal life. He has had a couple of seizures a year for the past 10 years. Don't pass over a good dog just because he/she has epilepsy.

Posted 5 months ago #
biankat
Member Profile

ABSOLUTELY. I think any adopted dog appreciates the chance for more love. However older dogs seem to feel it more. We unexpectedly took in a stray senior dog. We thought we'd find his owner, but one never surfaced, so we kept him. He was deaf, losing his sight, had medical and teeth issues. We cleaned him up and loved him like no other. I eventually found out (by sheer coincidence) his history. Turns out he was abused and adopted out, but he kept running away from his adoptive owner. When we came upon him he never wanted to leave our side. It was almost like he knew he was finally home. We only had him for about 18 months, but I'm positive they were the best of his life.

Posted 5 months ago #
Hawkeye
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In the interests of your cockatiels, do a bit of research on the breed, being careful that it's not of the type that has a strong prey instinct. We were fortunate to avoid major calamity with our cat when we took in an awesome 14-year old husky to foster, only to realize later not only did the breed have a great desire to make a snack of cats but, when we were able to track down her history, it turned out she had done just that in the past.

Expect a few bumps on the road, nothing's ever perfect, but the rewards far outweigh the small stuff--go for it!

Posted 5 months ago #
HMC Rich
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Yes. Yes. Yes. AND I am not afraid to say that You people made me cry. This post had me reminiscing about Missy who was older and had not had a good life until we had her. I miss our lovely Basset girl and it has been 3 years.

Wholeheartedly say YES!!!!!

Posted 5 months ago #
sbre
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A follow-up from the wife and I:

We have read and re-read all your replies, and thank each and every one of you for your valuable insight.

Not one corner of Old Dog Haven's web-site has been safe from our eyes, and we whole-heartedly agree that they are the group for us to work with.

We're completing our homework to include finding a vet who will welcome the pooch as a new client (Thank you Admiral Veterinary Hospital!), securing the back yard, and have made a list and started to gather the necessary 'creature comforts' that will enhance its stay with us. Soon we will be submitting our application with ODH.

This has become a learning and heart-warming experience that undoubtedly will get better, however we know to expect set-backs and sorrow just as much as joy and love. Alas, such is life.

Color us crazy but we’ve even been speaking to the cockatiels (Norgay and Hannah) about this, getting their little bird-brains ready for the old dude or dudette who will be joining our family.

Once we finally have the hairy little beast sleeping under our roof I’ll learn how to post a photo on here and share him/her with all of you, and maybe we’ll cross paths when out for a walk.

Happy tails, err I mean trails...

A & M

Posted 5 months ago #
miws
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Good on you guys for so thoroughly researching and preparing for your family member.

I had similar concerns to Hawkeye. Having had a parrot, and parakeets before that, I faithfully read Bird Talk Magazine for years. One of the things they stressed was to not leave the birds alone where physical contact could be made between them and other species, even if they seemed to get along.

But, like Hawkeye said, do your research, and perhaps there will be pointers on how to let them interact with each other as safely as possible.

And, you know what? I wouldn't be at all surprised if Norgay and Hannah understand what you're telling them.

If nothing else, they're probably at least doing that cool little thing of sticking their crests up wondering what the heck you're talking about. ;-)

Mike

Posted 5 months ago #
JoB
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miws..
one thing is certain..
if you don't make the attempt to communicate
communication isn't likely to happen

Posted 5 months ago #
Sonoma
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Excellent advice, Mike (and Hawkeye)! I agree about the cockatiels - most likely, they'll be fine with the dog, but better safe than sorry. Love the image of the 'tiels sticking their little crests up in great interest.

Posted 5 months ago #
westcoastdeb
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My group of geriatric doggies sends their thanks for remembering that old dogs need (and give) love too!

Posted 5 months ago #