Celebrate Canine Old-Timers
Humane Society Encourages Adopting
Older Dogs
“Old dogs, like old shoes, are comfortable. They might
be a bit out of shape and a little worn around the edges,
but they fit well.” That is what Bonnie Wilcox said
in her book titled ‘Old Dogs, Old Friends.’
Honey- an
8 year old hound mix. This spayed female is lemon
and white colored. She is sweet and likes puppies
and other small dogs.
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And this is the message that Watauga County
Humane Society shelter manager Lynn Northup hopes to send:
to embrace and celebrate the canine old-timers in our lives.
She also encouraging folks to step up and adopt an older
dog during the month of November.
“For the most part, the seniors are more settled and
more mellow and the adjustment time for both the animal
and the owner is minimal,” Northup said.
Among other reasons that Northup recommended adopting an
older dog was that they are already housetrained and settle
in easily into new surroundings. Additionally they do not
chew inappropriate items and do not require the constant
attention that growing dogs need.
“Most people are afraid to adopt a senior dog because
they are worried about the extra vet expenses, but having
an older dog does not necessarily mean more vet bills,”
Northup said.
Like humans, dogs reach senior status at different times.
According to Northup, smaller breeds generally tend to age
slower while larger breeds show signs of aging at around
age 8 or 9 years.
There are currently 5 dogs with senior status residing at
the Watauga shelter that are available for adoption:
Easel- a nine year old chow
mix. She is a red colored spayed female and is missing her
right front leg. She is housetrained and very friendly.
Lucky- a nine year old beagle
neutered male beagle mix. Her owner died and she is best
friends with Nellie (see below)
Nellie- a nine year old female
chow mix. She is black, spayed and is missing a back foot.
She is affectionate and loves to play in the water. It is
hoped that she and Lucky could be adopted as a pair.
Megan-a 15 year old spayed
female mix breed. Owner went into a nursing home. She is
very friendly and active. She has some hearing loss but
is housetrained and is good with other dogs.
Honey- an 8 year old hound
mix. This spayed femal is lemon and white colored. She is
sweet and likes puppies and other small dogs.
For more information on adopting and caring for an older
dog call the shelter at 264-7865 or visit the Senior Dogs
Project at http://www.srdogs.com/
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