November is adopt a senior dog month so we will be featuring some great seniors that need homes in our upcoming Feature Fridays but today I wanted to share some reasons why you should consider adding a senior dog to your family.

Most dogs are considered to be "senior" starting at age seven. Larger dogs are considered senior earlier than smaller dogs because the mature slower. Most people over look the seniors and go straight for the cute puppies or younger more active, less grey looking dogs. Unfortunately, due to over crowding senior dogs are the first to be euthanized. 

Senior dogs lose their homes for a variety of reasons, usually having nothing to do with their behavior or temperament, but more due to the fact that their owners are unable to keep them for reasons including: the death of a guardian, a new baby, loss of a job, a move, or a change in work schedule.

Here are some great reasons why you should consider adopting or fostering a senior dog:

• Older dogs are house trained. You won't have to go through teaching a puppy to go outside. 


• Older dogs are not teething puppies and won't chew your good shoes or furniture.


• They usually already understand basic commands and have had some training. Plus you can teach an old dog new tricks. Dogs are trainable at any age and the older dogs have a great attention span making it easier to train them.


• An adult dog makes a great companion, workout friend or cuddle buddy. 


• What you see is what you get. Older dogs are calmer and already have an established temperament and demeanor making it easy to see how they will fit in with your family.


• Alone time. Adult dogs don't have the same demands as a puppy does of your time. Leaving you more time to your to yourself.


• Senior dogs let you get a good night's sleep. They are already accustomed to human schedules and don't generally need night time bathroom breaks.


• Giving love. They are great at giving love and grateful for the second chance you have given them!