Adopting a Senior Dog

Grey Muzzle's work is made possible by volunteers and supporters. You can join us in helping homeless and at-risk senior dogs by donating, volunteering, spreading the word - even by going for a walk or making an everyday purchase.

Adding a new senior dog to your home is exciting and fulfilling, but initially it may mean big changes for your new dog. This article from Grey Muzzle's Caring for Your Senior Dog discusses what you should expect when you first bring your older dog home, and offers tips for helping your new family member adjust.

If you are like most people, you will eventually decide to get another dog after your dog passes on. This is a personal decision and one that should be made very carefully and the entire family should be involved. The best time to commit to a new relationship is different for everyone, but this article offers advice what to consider when making it.

Shirley Zindler, an animal control officer and author of The Secret Life of Dog Catchers, was asked to tell us about the senior dogs she meets in her work. In this post, she describes the joy of being able to help find homes for dogs - especially senior dogs, and tells the story of one such dog, named Hilda.

Having a senior Labrador Retriever herself, trainer Victoria Stilwell is reminded daily how precious each moment we have with our dogs truly is. So many families are convinced that adopting an 8 week old puppy is the only route when getting a new dog, but the truth is that senior dogs often make a much easier transition into your home.
 

In Appalachia and the rural Southeast, homeless dogs face understaffed and poorly funded shelters. Raising Aid for Dogs at Risk (RADAR) was founded to support these “below the radar” country-road shelters in caring for the most vulnerable and at-risk dogs, such as seniors and those with medical issues.

Those who have had the pleasure of sharing their lives with a senior dog probably can‘t imagine allowing them to end up at a local humane society or animal control facility. Yet, shelters care for many old dogs every day. For this article, Grey Muzzle asked experts to share the common reasons for senior dogs being in shelters.

Grey Matters celebrates senior dogs and provides a resource for the people who care for them. It draws upon the wealth of knowledge and experience with senior dogs offered by The Grey Muzzle Organization community. Our contributors will be sharing articles on senior dog care, as well as relevant news, success stories from our grantee organizations, and more.