Abby Large Adult Female German Shepherd Dog/Hound Mix *Special Needs* Hi there, my name is Abby and Im a 3 yr old, 70 pound, spayed Shepherd/Hound Mix. I miss having my own home, wont you please stop by and visit me, youll see that I would make a loyal, loving family member with loads of love to give. Find me on petfinder >>

Bear Large Adult Male Australian Shepherd/Doberman Pinscher Mix My name is Bear I am a 63 lb neutered male Australian Shepherd/Dobberman mix. I love to run, go for car rides and play. I bond quickly with my human family and would love the opportunity to be a faithful companion. Find me on petfinder >>

Baby Small Adult Male Chihuahua/Dachshund Mix My name is Baby. I was born 16 Feb 2001 and I weight about 16 lbs. My owner recently passed away and I had no family to take me so I came to live at the shelter. Don't let my age fool you, I still have plenty of energy and love left to give. I enjoy going for a short walk once or twice a day so I can stay in shape. I am a very sweet and friendly little guy and can't wait until I have my own home again. Find me on petfinder >>

Brownie Small Adult Male Chihuahua Mix My name is Brownie. I'm a 31 lb Chihuahua mix born on 29 May 2004. I'm hoping that my new family likes to go for walks as that would help me trim down. I'm a very happy, energetic little guy. I love meeting people and I'm friendly right from the start. Some of my favorite things are playing with toys, going for car rides, and plenty of belly rubs. I can't wait to meet my forever family. Could that be you? Find me on petfinder >>

From The Senior Dogs Project:

What advantages do older dogs have over puppies or young dogs?

Answer: Older dogs who are offered for adoption by shelters or rescue agencies generally have had some training, both in obedience and house manners. (Some dogs, due to the confusion and upset of being uprooted and finding themselves in a chaotic shelter environment, may temporarily forget their housetraining. Inevitably, once established in their new home, they remember.)

Older dogs have learned what "no" means and how to leave the furniture, carpets, shoes, and other "chewables" alone. (If they hadn't learned that, they wouldn't have gotten to be "older" dogs.)

They have been "socialized" and learned what it takes to be part of a "pack" and to get along with humans and, in most cases, other dogs, and in some other cases, cats, as well.

Older dogs, especially those who have once known it, appreciate love and attention and quickly learn what's expected of them to gain and keep that love and attention.

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 are also instant companions, ready for hiking, riding in the car, walking on leash, fetching, etc.

Finally, older dogs are a "known commodity." They are easy to assess for behavior and temperament, and you also don't have to guess how big they'll grow.

Aside from any advantages an older dog has, is there any good reason to adopt an older dog instead of a puppy, who has his whole life ahead of him?

Answer: Just about everyone who enters a shelter is looking for a puppy or a young dog (three years or under). There are also many people who go to breeders to buy puppies. By adopting an older dog, we can make a statement about compassion and the value of all life at all ages, as well as register a protest against the indiscriminate and inhumane breeding of dogs, whether it is for profit or to "teach the children about birth." And, of course, just as a puppy has his whole life ahead of him, so does an older dog have the rest of his life in front of him. You can give that older dog the best years of his life while at the same time bringing a wonderful addition into your family.

Another consideration is the larger goal of making the U.S. a "no-kill" nation. By setting the example of adopting a dog who would be otherwise euthanized just because of his age, you can help create the climate that will enable the U.S. to attain that goal.

Read more about the advantages of adopting a senior dog at The Senior Dogs Project >>

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