Several years ago I made a promise to myself that, when ready for another dog, I would adopt a senior dog. I remember reading one of those cheesy Chicken Soup for the Soul books and the only entry that stuck with me went something like this: Adopt a senior dog and let them live out their final years basking in the sunlight streaming through your windows and snoozing away the hours on your couch.
Dogs, large dogs at least, are considered senior by age 7, and most dogs that size live to around 13- years-old. Even at age 7, really only half way through their life cycle, shelter dogs are doomed. Nobody wants those guys and gals. They either waste away in a nasty no-kill shelter or are euthanized for no other reason than reaching middle age. That sucks. Especially when there are plenty of people with love to give these animals. They don't take much time and energy (as opposed to puppies whom EVERYBODY wants - now that is a time suck!). They just sleep, eat, and poop. Occassionally they may enjoy a nice walk.
So, here is the senior pup we invited into our lives:
His name is Toby and he is an 8-and-one-half-year-old coonhound. He was surrendered by two previous owners for no good reason and left to die in a shelter. He actually looks much better in these photos than when we got him because these were taken when he first arrived. After four months in a cage, he was covered in shit and a bag of bones (not because they didn't feed him but because he was so stressed out he refused to eat). After a good grooming and some TLC at home, I am sure that Toby will make a full recovery. His eyes are already brighter and he is digging his head into my lap for pets. I fulfilled my promise to myself. I think me and Toby both win on this one.
If I inspired you to adopt a senior pet, yeah!!!! Run out there to your local shelter and scoop one up - guaranteed there won't be a line :( Until next time, SAHM.
