“ Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog.” - Sydney Jeanne Seward

Thinking of adopting a golden retriever? How about considering a senior?

Those of us who have loved a senior golden know that there is nothing like “Old Gold!”

Consider your lifestyle: Do you work all day?

Or perhaps you might not have the energy to keep up with a young dog. Maybe you don’t want to have to go through that “puppy stage” but really want a companion to share your life and home. Adoption fees are lower for seniors, and you’d be providing a wonderful golden retriever with a loving and caring place to live out the rest of his or her life.

Here are some reasons to consider adopting a senior today!

“Wash and wear” factor

Older dogs generally have had some training, both in obedience and house manners. They have learned how to leave the furniture, carpets, shoes

and other “chewables” alone.

Clean floors

Unless there is an underlying medical cause, 99 percent of senior dogs are potty trained. And an adult dog has a larger bladder and can go for longer periods of time without relief

Tolerance

Most older dogs know what it takes to be part of a “pack” and get along with others – including cats and other “interesting” animals.

Appreciation

Older dogs appreciate love and attention and quickly learn what’s expected of them to gain and keep that love and attention.

Companionship

Older dogs know how to let you finish the newspaper, sitting calmly next to you while your workday stress flows away and your blood pressure lowers. They’re happy to be a “couch potato” or, if the mood strikes you, are also instantly ready for a car ride, an evening walk or a game of fetch.

Dignity

Senior goldens are generally calmer than young dogs. They won’t scare small children or the elderly by jumping up to greet them or bouncing around like a ping-pong ball.

Adaptability

An adult dog will adapt to changes in his/her life.

WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get)

A senior dog is fully grown, and most of their health history is known. There are no guesses about how big they’ll get, whether they’ll bark a lot or what their energy level will be.

Doing your part

Just as a puppy has his whole life ahead of him, so does an older dog. You can give that older dog the best years of his life while at the same time bringing a wonderful addition into your family.

Memories

Even if you have a senior golden as part of your life for only a few years, the days and the adventures you share are precious. The love you receive will more than compensate for the sadness of eventually losing such a wonderful companion.

There is nothing in the world like smooching the white face of a senior golden retriever!

What else can you do to help a senior golden?

Please click here to help with a donation. We will use it to save the lives of those older goldens who are more easily (and incorrectly) dismissed.