Contact: Hi Doggists!
It’s November and the cold has arrived. That’s why I want to dedicate this post to the senior dogs that are in shelters and have a really bad time with this weather, since they suffer with their bones and joints. They are dogs that often go unnoticed, unfortunately, younger puppies and dogs tend to attract the attention of adopters, but they are the ones who need a warm home more than ever! So I’m going to give you a few reasons why it’s a good idea to adopt an older dog.
🐾 What you see is what you get. There are no surprises, they are what they are going to be, both size and physical as well as personality and character. In any case, if there is any change will be for the better: you will give her back the spark and increase your bond.
🐾 You save the crazy years. Puppies need a lot of time, dedication and constant supervision, plus tremendous patience. You avoid the exits at all times to potty train, behaviors of whining and excessive barking, wreckage, etc. It is much less likely that an older dog has any of these behaviors.
🐾 Most older dogs are already taught. Obviously they will need an adaptation period at home, but it will be brief compared to a young dog or a puppy, because they have usually learned it in their old home. Hopefully it will take your new companion a few days to pick up the family’s habits and routines, but adapting at home will be much easier.
🐾 Forget about the chewing. You will not find the remote or your favourite shoes destroyed. That is long overdue, but it does not mean that you do not need to have a pair of toys for the dog to nibble on.
🐾Senior dogs need less exercise. Their daily walks are important but they will be shorter and less intense than the activity levels required by a young dog. This makes them a good candidate for many families and especially for older people who want a dog.
🐾There is no age to continue learning! You can do activities with him, the older dogs can learn what you teach them. Above all you can practice nosework games, which they love and do very well and it’s key to maintain their brain active.
🐾 It is a relatively short-term commitment. Of course there is the sad part because it is heartbreaking when they leave, but the bright side is that senior dogs are ideal for older people or for people who do not know what they will do with their lives or what their situation will be in a few years.
🐾 You will be a true hero. I already mentioned before that senior dogs are not frequently adopted, they are barely visible to the public, so you really will be saving a life by giving one a home! You can make his last years the best of his life!
🐾 He will be forever thankful to you. You will feel a special attention and devotion from these sweet old dogs, like if they knew that nobody else would have done that for them.
Christmas holidays are just around the corner and many people consider being especially charitable at this time. I do not see a better way of giving than helping an animal less spend the winter in a shelter 🙂
So stop by a nearby shelter and / or encourage your friends and acquaintances that you know they may want a dog, to see how cool it is to have a senior and the good work they will be doing.
If you can not adopt, you can fostercare for the winter, or maybe you feel like volunteering and walking dogs. And if not, share my post!
I leave you videos of some of the tender senior dogs we have in the shelter CAAC of Barcelona:
Frankie, 12 years old. He has been in the shelter for 3 years. He is a very affectionate dog and walks quietly by your side.
Yako, 12 years old. He entered the shelter 9 months ago. He is a very endearing dog. He is very accustomed to living in a house, with an owner and other dogs. In fact he came to the CAACB with his life partners: Loba and Mara. Mara sadly passed away, and Loba was adopted. So now it’s his turn!
Zion, 10 years old. He arrived at the shelter 4 years ago. He is calmed and walks happily by your side, he does not get in trouble with other dogs neither he pulls the leash. He is sociable with people, once you get him to trust you, he is inseparable! If you encourage him to play, he is a playful cute little bear; If you sit in a corner, he will not hesitate to ask you for cuddles. He likes quiet and sweet people.
Rocky, 8 years old. He had to be operated on for a long time from a herniated disc but he is fully recovered, ready to be adopted and live a normal life. He is a quiet dog and has lived with other dogs and cats.
If you are interested, please contact the shelter below. We have many more senior dogs that do not have a promotional video 😉
Crta. De l’Arrabassada, km 3.8 / Crta. Sant Cugat 230I
08035 Barcelona
Customer service hours:
Monday to Friday: 11am to 2pm and 3pm to 6pm
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 11am to 2pm
Phones: 93 428 4417/93 428 3125
Official website: www.bcn.cat/adopta
Contact mail: caacb@aspb.cat
To be a volunteer or foster home ask for information via mail to: voluntaris.caacbcn@gmail.com
See you! 💝
Belen