Blog the Change for Animals: Second Chance for Senior Dogs
Sometimes I’m a little behind. I just learned about this terrific cause/movement called Blog the Change for Animals, which takes place today, July 15 and on 3 other days during the year. I’m adding this post to the mix hoping to inspire you to do something to help animals in need.
I’m thinking of senior dogs, the ones who are so often rejected by shelters or overlooked by potential adopters. Those graying muzzles, those slow careful gaits, those soft sweet eyes. . . I’m thinking of Rocky, a senior chihuahua-terrier shelter dog in my last East Bay SPCA humane education class, who stole my heart with his lavish affection for any and every human, his love of food and training, and his happy goofy personality. He was adopted by a family who seemed to be enamored of him from the get-go and didn’t mind his advanced years in the least.
I’ve spent loads of time volunteering and working in shelters. I’m always moved when an animal is adopted but it’s senior adoptions that really choke me up. Though senior pets make terrific pets, they often have a tough time getting adopted from shelters. That’s why I love Muttville, a San Francisco rescue that’s devoted to rescuing and adopting out senior dogs. Take a look at the adoptable dogs on their site – puppies and kittens haven’t cornered the market on cuteness!
If you’re considering adopting a dog, please consider opening your home and heart to a senior dog. They don’t need nearly as much exercise as younger dogs; they enjoy life at a mellow pace. You can teach seniors new tricks. They’ve already grown into their adult personalities, so chances are what you see is what you get. They’re probably already housetrained and may just need a refresher on potty training in your home.
Even if you aren’t adopting a dog, you can help out senior dogs through Muttville. Volunteer, donate needed items, or sign up to foster a Muttville mutt. I spread the word about Muttville every chance I get and hope you will do the same.
Big woofs and paws up to Muttville for championing senior dogs!!
Stopping by with Be the Change for Animals. Thank you for all you do to help animals in need. Hope you will be able to visit us too.
Felissa, Davinia, and Indiana
http://www.twolittlecavaliers.blogspot.com
You are not too late, you are just in time !
We adopted Viva, a 6 yr old Hovawart female (not realy a senior) and she is one of the best things ever happened to us. She teached us an “old” dog can definitely learn new tricks. Viva is learning a lot and enjoying it, as much as we do.
Yippee for you and for Viva! And thanks so much for reading and commenting.
Lisa
I’m also a huge fan of Muttville for what they are doing to promote the senior dogs out there. Regardless of age, they have lots of love and joy to give. Thank you for being part of Be the Change.
Lisa,
Thanks for reading, commenting and supporting Muttville and senior dogs. I do think they need an extra helping paw.
Best,
Lisa
What a great organization! I have a special place in my heart for seniors too. My dog Frankie was between 5 or 6 when I adopted him — I didn’t know enough about dogs to realize that was considered geriatric. He was — and is — plenty lively and a joy every day. It makes me particularly sad to think of dogs who have spent their lives bringing joy to a person ending up in a less than pleasant situation at the end of their days.
I’m so happy to see lots of great info about adopting senior dogs through this Blog the Change initiative. I’ve actually never heard of Muttville, but will be checking them out right away! Thanks for sharing a great organization!
Thanks Edie and Maggie for reading and commenting. Love that you shared your joyful experiences with Frankie Edie. Hopefully more people will realize what wonderful friends senior pets make.
Woofs!
Lisa
Thanks for encouraging people to open their hearts to an older dog!
My heart goes out to senior pets out there– they are usually so calm and sweet, and a “hearbeat at your feet” as the quote goes. We adopted a “senior” dog about 6 years ago and he is still alive today (so he wasn’t a senior at the time) and has brought so much love into our home.
Happy BTC
I encourage everyone to consider an older dog when they are adopting. It makes such sense on so many levels. And frankly, though I love puppies, puppyhood is sooooo over rated.
Great cause. I blogged about Senior dogs too. I’m now following you!
Peggy
Hi Lisa,
Senior dogs were a huge focus by several bloggers during Blog the Change – myself included. It’s so terrific to see! It’s no secret that these dogs are often overlooked yet it appears that the tremendous love they give is no longer a secret either! Thanks for sharing the work of Muttville too. It sounds like a great organization.
Thanks for Blogging the Change!
Kim (and Amy by proxy)