Falling for an Older Dog

Falling in love with an older grey,

not so hard to do.

One look into those beautiful eyes,

leads to what is true.

Waiting for dinner

Sitting pretty

Adopting a dog to add to your family may, at first, seem very cut and dried.  The person visits a shelter or greyhound rescue, in our case, and their first choice would probably be a younger dog, craving their wild antics and exuberant energy (of course, not so much with a greyhound).  Reasons for this choice can be varied.  People desire a dog with energy or they feel a younger dog will live a longer life with them.  For whatever reasons, the young dogs have a head up on any dog that comes into the rescue being a bit older.  

When I adopted my first greyhound, I felt the need for a younger dog so that we might share a long life together.  That first baby lasted with us until 12, so we were lucky that time.  I have also had dogs die earlier than they should have from a terminal illness or some weird ailment that happened overnight.  These dogs were vibrant one minute and deadly ill the next.  In reality, we are never guaranteed the pleasure of our companions’ company for as long as we want them.   

Most of my lovely greyhounds have been 3 or 4 and even 5 when adopted.  However, my latest and youngest girl had just had her 2nd birthday when she came into our home.  Some of my dogs have lived to 13 or 14, but it still it is never enough time to love them.  The point is no matter at what age we adopt our dogs, their time with us is finite.  

Squirrel watching

Through the years, I have met adopters who consistently adopt older greyhounds.  I am in awe of these people.  They know up front that their new friends may not be with them for very long.  But still they ignore their own needs and focus on what they can do for these older creatures who still have a lot of life in them.  These greys could have been brood mothers, or dogs whose owners died and were returned, or older dogs that people gave back to the rescue because they didn’t fit into their lives anymore. (Please tell me how that happens?)  They want to give these sweet greyhounds a chance to live out the rest of their lives loved and cared for.

A pretty pose

An older greyhound may not have as much energy, but they like their toys and can still do an impressive sprint now and again.  They may be a bit slower running around the backyard, but the one thing that remains the same is the greyhound rest period.  We all know that phenomenon - sprint 30 seconds, sack out for an hour or two or three.  The older dog gives love and companionship, and perhaps because of more life experience, can impart a depth of feeling that has taken time to develop.

An older greyhound can be a perfect fit for an older adopter.  Since all greyhounds love walks, this dog can be an incentive to get out, smell the fresh air, and get some exercise.  Older dogs demand less of their people because their rest period may be a little longer than,before.  Some seniors also worry about the dog they adopt outliving them.  If a dog lives a good 10 years or more, its rehoming would happen at an older age making it more difficult for the dog.  Adopting a dog at 8 or older would give that dog a chance to live a happy and fulfilling life with the same companion. 

Ki's not too happy

Good profile

All greyhounds are precious.  They all look at us with the same expressive eyes, give their love unconditionally, and are happiest when they are bringing joy.  The age of these exceptional dogs creates no difference in how they love us or improve our lives.