When I went to adopt my first dog, I was told to consider a senior dog because they are calmer and have most likely had previous training. When I found 7-year-old Pom Pom at the pound, adopt a senior dog I did. Let me tell you, it is the best decision I have ever made. Most people think about getting dogs, and they always think of puppies first – I mean, who can resist those big round eyes, ridiculously cute faces, and all that baby fat! Plus, lots of people think that you have to have a dog as a baby for them to have “true” loyalty to you. Worst of all, some people even believe that a senior dog has lost its prime and is old news. However, as a senior dog adopter, I can personally say that I have found none of the above to be true. As a first time dog owner, I was relieved that Pom Pom came home with knowledge of potty training, walking on leashes, and best of all, tricks! Whenever Dustin or I had a treat for her, she’d immediately stand on her hind legs and spin in circles. It was great fun; we never knew what she was going to show us next!

Don’t get me wrong — I love puppies, young dogs, and adult dogs…all dogs! But I have to admit that I feel extra satisfaction knowing that we rescued an elderly dog who now gets to spend the rest of her life in comfort and “pamperment.” After all, aren’t senior doggies just like senior humans? Regardless of size or breed, they just want to have a home with people they care about, who also care about them, where they can relax and live in comfort and peace. As for Pom Pom, she may be 10-years-old now, but she still looks and acts like a puppy; she plays, she jumps, and begs just like any other dog. Senior doggies have so much love left to give, and that has definitely been proven true by Pom Pom. I look forward to adopting more senior dogs in the future and giving them a home where they can live a stress-free life – perhaps we’ll rescue a retired seeing-eye dog, or a retired race dog?