Be an Older Dog’s Hero… Practically perfect in every way!
If you are considering adopting a senior dog, you likely not only want a wonderful companion, but also want to transform the life of a pup in need.
Older dogs are too often overlooked by potential adopters at shelters and rescues. However, those who adopt seniors find them to be wonderful companions — more mellow, better mannered, and quicker to adjust to their new homes than younger pooches. Soooo full of love... they are just grateful to be with you.
Whether you have been considering adopting an older pup for a long time or were just recently inspired by the story of one in need, your new, grey-muzzled, Blenheim, Ruby Tri-Color or Black and Tan best friend may be a hop, skip, and a few hugs away. Most shelters and rescue organizations list dogs over seven years of age as "senior." Although the time you will have with an adopted senior dog may be shorter, your life will be forever enriched and you will have the honor and joy of being part of their final adventures. I am not crying, you're crying....
A big advantage to adopting an experienced dog—say, age 5 or 6 and up—is you are far more likely to be first in line for that dog. Cavalier Rescue of Florida tells applicants who want a young dog that they may wait months. But applicants who are open to a seasoned Cavalier often can get matched right away—and for a considerably lower adoption fee. LOTS of love and joy with senior pure-bred and very adoptable cavaliers.
Rescue groups are constantly taking in middle-aged or senior dog because a Cavalier’s typical lifespan of 12-15 years– a long time. A lot can change…people switch jobs, lose jobs, encounter financial difficulties, get deployed, get married or divorced, move, have kids, get sick, and sadly, even pass away. In today’s world, people have a much better chance of providing stability and love to a dog for five years than for 15, paying-it-forward for a pup’s second chance of love and happiness.
On those rare occasions when CRF gets rescue pups under a year old, we are deluged with adoption applications. But, forever families are not prepared for the amount of work a puppy is.
Benefits of a senior Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:
Puppies are like human babies requiring a lot of time, attention and energy.
They are not housebroken and will likely have many accidents before learning to control themselves.
They cry when they are not getting enough attention.
They need to be constantly entertained.
They rarely do what you want them to do.
A mature Cavalier is:
Almost always completely housebroken.
Infinitely trainable. It’s not true that you can’t teach an older dog new tricks--older Cavaliers are calm and want to please you, and thus easier to train.
Comparatively calm and easygoing.
Playful but just fine with a lower activity level.
Polite and well-mannered in your home.
Far less inclined to chew or destroy your possessions
Predictable in a good way.
More interested in love and companionship than activity.
Eager to please and focused on you.
Always a beautiful and dignified breed, even more so in twilight years.
Endearing and easy to love.
Exactly what you need—and vice versa!
“Old dogs can be a regal sight. Their exuberance settles over the years into a seasoned nobility, their routines become as locked into yours as the quietest and kindest of marriages.” – Gail Caldwell
Love, the Cavies! Xo
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