The scrawny golden retriever averted his gaze. He was bone-thin, his fur patchy, his teeth crooked, his gate awkward. And he was 12 years old.
We had every reason not to adopt this dog. But God knew what he needed…and what we needed too. It turned out to be one of the best gifts we’d ever received.
1. Senior dogs fit our lifestyle.
Puppies needs constant supervision. Senior dogs aren’t very interested in getting into mischief. Since our kids are grown, our household is calm and quiet. That suits a senior dog just fine.
2. We don’t have to deal with housebreaking.
A senior dog has already learned this business, unless there are some underlying circumstances such as a medical problem or having never been kept inside a house. Puppies also need to go out at night. I’m pretty grouchy if I don’t get a good eight hours sleep.
3. Our socks and furniture are safe.
Senior dogs are past the chewing stage. As I write this, my 6-month-old grandpuppy Zeke has just dragged my husband’s slippers out of the bedroom and is about to transform them into fuzzy popcorn. ‘Nuff said.
4. We walk at the same pace.
I’m not suggesting that my husband and I are couch potatoes, but we’re not triathletes, either. When we walk around the block, we stroll more than jog. I know some senior dogs who partake in brisk romps, but in our experience our senior dogs enjoy a nice stroll.
5. Senior dogs have lots of love.
Okay, nearly all dogs are loving and lovable. But there is something experienced and wise about the devotion of an older dog.
To be fair, there are also negatives of adopting a senior dog. They may have more health issues–and therefore expenses–than younger dogs. And, you won’t have 10 or 12 years together.
Sadly, the golden retriever I wrote about in the first paragraph, Brooks, lived just one year after we adopted him. He got cancer. Losing him was hard. But oh, that year we had together! He followed me around all day and snuggled next to me in my big green chair each evening.
He was always gentle and accepted everything that came his way with a joyful spirit. Since he’d been abandoned, I felt as if he was grateful for any little kindness. He showered me with unrestrained love.
God often disguises the greatest gifts in the most unexpected packages. Maybe an old dog is unexpected. Maybe loving, and losing, one is difficult. But the greater the gift, the greater the potential to transform your life.
God has put animals in our lives as loving companions. Senior dogs deserve a chance at happy golden years. I’m so grateful for that year with Brooks, and my life is blessed.
