Life has been pretty crazy in the land of the dogs
I am not sure if I have been too busy to journal...or just too frustrated.
Adoptions are really slow. Vet bills are huge. We are broke. And it is puppy season. Pleas from shelters and dog owners are coming in daily begging for help to find homes for adult and senior dogs.
Summer is here, which is usually busy - but everyone is looking for puppies - and I specifically try to steer clear of any dog under 6 months of age.
Puppies are cute - nobody can deny that! But not many people have the skills or patience to handle a puppy once it starts to grow and becomes a teenager...jumping, chewing shoes and hands, demanding continuous exercise.
The teenage phase is when many dogs end up in shelters, or back in rescue - and by that time, if the necessary training has not been done by the adoptive family, you are starting from scratch with a rebelious teenager.
I am always amazed when I receive an application from an adopter looking for a "young" dog - but when asked what kind of temperment he/she wants in a dog the adopter answers "calm, mellow, low energy." Young dogs are a lot of work, they need lots of excercise and training. If these needs are not met - then the pup tends to act out by jumping, barking and chewing.
Personally - I am a big fan of the mature dog. I make an extra effort to rescue them when I can. They may not be small and fluffy - but they are always loyal and thankful that you saved them.
They are generally calmer, housebroken and easier to manage.
People are often wary of older dogs because they think that they will lose them sooner. But if fed a healthy diet and given regular exercise, an elder dog can live a many years without issue.
Here are some great articles about the benefits of adopting a older dog
Questions about adopting an "older" dog - Senior Dog Project
The Benefits of Adopting an Older Dog - BestFriendsPetCare.com
Enough of my rampage:) Below are a few awesome "older" dogs that are looking for loving homes:
CDL
