Ten Great Reasons to Adopt a Senior Dog

1	Adulthood
	In most cases, senior dogs are well past the chewing and digging stages of life.  They cause less destruction than puppies or younger dogs.  They also have a longer attention span, making them easier to train.
2	Peace of Mind
	Over 90% of senior dogs are housebroken before they go into a second home.  In addition, an adult dog has a larger bladder and can go for longer periods of time without relieving themselves, such as when you get stuck in traffic.
3	Experience
	Most senior dogs have been socialized with other animals.  They can provide an example and calming influence to younger dogs.
4	Tolerance
	Senior dogs are good first dogs for children because they are patient with tail-tugging and rough petting.  They'll walk away from a playing child rather than hurt him.
5	Companionship
	Senior dogs don't demand constant watchfulness and attention.  They're content just to be in the same room while family members are working or relaxing.  A senior dog will be just as happy with a sedate walk as with intense exercise.
6	Dignity
	Senior dogs are generally calmer than young dogs; they won't scare small children or the elderly by jumping up to greet them.
7	Adaptability
	A senior dog will adapt more easily to changes in your household, such as a new baby, relatives or guests visiting, or being left alone for long periods of time when there is a sudden burst of overtime at work.
8	WYSIWYG
	What-you-see-is-what-you-get.  A senior dog is fully grown, and most of its health history is already known (hereditary diseases, arthritis, and hip dysplasia are some examples).  There are no guesses about how big the dog will get, whether it will bark a lot, or what its energy level will be.
9	Personality
	A senior dog arrives with its own sets of likes (soft places to sleep, belly rubs, tennis balls) and dislikes (cauliflower, squirrels, vacuum cleaners) and each one is different.  Discovering all of these facets of a senior's personality makes life with them truly enjoyable.
10	Memories
	Even if you have a senior dog as part of your family for only a few years, the days and the adventures you share are precious.  The love and joy you receive every day from a senior will more than compensate for the sadness of eventually losing such a wonderful companion.

Please consider adopting a senior dog.  They are wonderful, loving animals who deserve to spend their retirement years as a member of a special family!