Reap Considerable Benefits From Rescuing Mature Dogs

Many folks believe that their dog ownership days are over either because of their age, children no longer at home or simply feel that they are no longer willing to invest the work of training a puppy. What they do not appreciate is that they will reap considerable benefits from rescuing mature dogs.


I am going to arbitrarily, for the purposes of this article, establish that a mature dog is any dog five years old or older.

There are many reasons for such a dog to be deposited into a shelter. Age related infirmities, financial considerations, illnesses, behavior related concerns, incompatibility, job related loss or move, and travel related inconvenience or abuse are but a few.

None of these are the fault of the animal really. Many of these issues can be resolved with varying degrees of effort and expense. None of these are cause to destroy an animal if it can be coupled with the right ownership/environment.

I could go on describing why we should rescue these animals from the animals' point of view. Many articles are often written with this perspective so I will not do so here.

Let's take a look at how YOU can reap considerable benefits from rescuing mature dogs.

Although less tangible than other reasons, the satisfaction that results from saving an animal that is almost assuredly destined for destruction is palpable. There are truly few things that we can do as quickly and inexpensively as this that has such an emotional payback. Plus doing so also provides a wonderful example to your family, friends and neighbors alike.

Rescuing this type of animal is basically "what you see is what you get". Fully grown and infirmities either clearly defined or visible, there are no surprises. Many puppy buyers have been quite surprised when their little friend grows up to an unexpected size, shape or inclination. Questions surrounding size, color, demeanor and behavior are most frequently obvious or answered with a mature rescue dog.

It is safe to say that all healthy rescues are house broken. This is a considerable benefit. Gone are the months of house training. Non-existent are the puddles and piles. Absent are the many rolls of paper towels and the very frequent hourly trips to that "specially allocated area". You may not be able to use this time for bonding but with a mature dog, you may begin the bonding process immediately with long walks and playtime.

Mature rescue dogs are generally less demanding. Their maturity lends itself to self immersion. They will find their preferred spot and enjoy some time each day enjoying it. They are relatively less inclined to require continual attention. This is tempered by the individual needs of your rescue should they be physically impaired or ill.

Especially if your dog came from a friendly, caring family, it will usually be responsive and obedient towards basic commands. Beyond convenience, this eliminates the need for training and provides a safer environment for you and your rescue.

Most shelters will ensure that the animal is basically healthy and behaviorally stable enough for adoption. Any verified infirmities are openly discussed and plans to deal with them are established. So, when you adopt a mature animal you can feel certain that you clearly know its physical and emotional condition.

These are but a few ways in which you will reap considerable benefits from rescuing mature dogs. It is true that you probably won't enjoy their company for 15 or 20 years, but for those years that you can enjoy them, they will provide you with a tremendous payback, as a companion, friend, protector and "sounding board".