My parent recently lost their dog to a lengthy battle with a degenerative myelopathy, a disease which affected her spinal cord. Many friends and relatives extended their sympathies, and in the course of time inquired whether they were going to get another dog. One such inquiry came from a co-worker who need to rehome his 7 year old dog due to illnes on his part.

When my parents were asked if they would consider this, my mother's response was "That's so old, they wouldn't have much time to enjoy. Losing them is just too hard." Her reasoning is certainly valid, but thereis another way to look at adopting older or senior dogs. I have a friend who only adopts seniors. Her phiolosphy is to give older dogs a great home and enjoy them for the rest of their lives, however long that may be.

When we hear "senior dog" it typically means the dog is 7 years or older. However, breeds age differently. Giant breeds age more rapidly than toy breeds. In general, dogs are living longer due to advances in veteriinary care, nutrition, and exercise. Education for caretakes is on the rise as to preventative measures which help ease the aging process. Anyone who has had the companion ship of a dog through their senior years, know how special this time is.

What are the advantages of adopting senior dogs? They usually housetrained and beyond the destructive stage. Older dogs are playful, still willing and able to learn new tricks. Their demeanor is generally calmer, more mellow and able to settle down and relax easier. Seniors love to receive attention and affection, very similar to that of young puppies. Get the leash and they happy to accompany you on a walk or a ride in the car. They can be great travel companions!

A frequently asked question is, do senior dogs require much in the way of special care? Well, that depends on each individual dog. Older dogs may experience arthritis, hearing loss, cataracts; all the components of normal aging. roviding daily massage and stretching along with moderate exercise and proper nutrition are helpful to any dog. Senior especially love massage, you'll probably find them eliciting it more than once a day. Annual veterinary exams, including a senior blood panel, help to monitor changes in their body.

Most dogs young and old do not get enough exercise. Daily walks are great, allowing senior dogs to run off leash in a protected area is even better. Seniors who were taught to retrieve will still play retrieving games. Socialization play dates can be great fun and good exercise when you make sure that it occurs with appropriate dogs. You need to be able to recognize the signs when your senior has had enough and remove him or her from the situation. You may even consider enrolling in an obedience or agility class just for the fun of it. You can teach an old dog new tricks to keep them mentally stimulated. You will probably find it's much easier to get and keep the attention of a senior.

When my dog Higgins was 6 years old, we started agility training. He learned to swim when he was 8. He demonstrated exercises, participated and played in every puppy and obedience class I taught through the age of 14. He died just short of his 15th birthday. And, as I reflect back on our life together, his senior years were the best. The bond of trust and respect we developed was remarkable. Higgins was the essence of character, poise, and wit; the true merits of being older and wiser.