There are many advantages to adopting an older dog rather than a puppy. An older dog can be as cute and lovable as a puppy, and the older dog often comes with many wonderful qualities that the puppy takes years to grow into. Most retired dogs come into a new household with little fanfare. They find a soft, warm lap and claim it as their own.
For some people, an older dog, usually house-trained and calmer than a puppy, is the perfect companion. Other people want to share their lives with a dog, but they do not want to make a commitment of 15 or more years. An older dog's shorter life expectancy fits in with their future plans when the children go off to college, for example. Still others enjoy the unwavering devotion and constant companionship of a trained retired dog.
Retired dogs have learned most of life's lessons and are ready to enjoy their golden years. With lives far from over, retired dogs can indeed be valuable family and community members. Not surprisingly, they make excellent therapy dogs and companions to older people.
Most recently I placed Cappie into a very loving only dog home. Where he is the center of this wonderful couple life and attention. My decision to no longer use him in my breeding program was deliberate and long thought out. Is it an easy thing to do "of course not" but yet I had to think what was best for him.
__________________ Kimberly |