Is it time for you to adopt an older dog?  Each November, Americans acknowledge older animals in the rescue community with National Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month. Most shelters consider a dog “senior” at ages 6 or 7. Frequently, older dogs are overlooked for their younger counterparts.

But adopting an older dog can have many benefits:

• They have calmer temperaments and better manners. But don’t let their calm side fool you: Senior pets are still very active, but they are less likely to have that puppy energy that challenges even the most patient owners. Seniors often enjoy just lounging with their family or going for short, quiet walks.
• Senior pets are easier to train and maintain their focus. Younger dogs especially have short attention spans, while older dogs learn quickly and are eager to please.
• Older pets settle into your household a lot easier. Dogs are often already housetrained and will know how to ask to be let outside, and cats will know how to use their litter boxes. Older pets also are past the chewing and scratching stages and are content to find a soft place to nap.
• You’ll have more time for yourself and to enjoy your pet, instead of cleaning up after them, attending to frequent bathroom breaks, teaching them manners, and all the other stuff that’s necessary when you have a youngster.
• What you see is what you get. You know how big your dog or cat is going to be, his or her temperament and personality, and their activity level.
• Senior pets have a lot of love left to give and form bonds easily.
• Senior pets usually need less exercise and have less energy than their younger counterparts.
• No matter the age, pets provide us with love and companionship and improve mental and physical health. In addition to the benefits of the heart, independent studies have shown that owning a pet can lower blood pressure, reduce stress levels and depression, increase physical activity and lengthen your lifespan.

All dogs deserve love and a forever home.   Senior dogs are perfect for senior people as well!  If you would like to make a difference in a dog’s life consider visiting the seniors at your local shelter or check out their website online.  Many rescues offer discounted or even wave adoption fees for senior pets during the month of November.

Excerpted from an article written by Shauntel Lowe at http://www.Patch.com.