Senior Dogs: The Hidden Gems
November is “Adopt a Senior Dog” month. I bet you love seeing senior dogs! They stroll calmly next to their person, gently greet new friends, and casually hang out on coffee shop patios laying in the shade, patiently waiting for their person to continue their stroll. So, what are the reasons NOT to adopt a senior dog?
1) Health Issues – Valid, to some degree. All dogs have potential health issues – there are no guarantees. Senior dogs often live out their lives without any health issues until it is their time to go. Leading us to number 2.
2) Emotional Stress of Losing Them - Yes, this can be challenging, but it is also a beautiful time. Senior dogs know you gave them those final good moments (days, months, years) and they appreciate the love you shared together. Nothing can take that away. Ever. Having said that…
3) Special Needs – Blind, deaf, lame….no problem! These dogs easily adapt to their “malfunctions!” They survive, thrive, and come alive when brought into a healthy, vibrant home. All you need is a little understanding for their hic-cups, without underestimating their ability to adapt. Uh-oh…
4) Fear of Failure - The number one reason people hesitate to adopt a senior dog is “fear of failure.” They fear they will not have the skills to meet the needs of senior dogs. If “time” is a concern, well, senior dogs commonly require less time than younger dogs (although they do enjoy their pats and strolls). If adaptability is a concern, well, most have lived through life-changes, survived challenges, and endured unwelcome situations. Are these experiences going to lead to behavioral issues or challenges in integrating them into families? No! In fact, their life experiences often make them more adaptable. They have high cognitive skills, meaning they can process and “figure things out.” They understand that sh*t happens. They “get” what you are trying to tell them…. oh wait…do they?
The I.C.P. integration program aligns with the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a scientifically proven method designed to recognize emotions, encourage processing and decision-making (different from “choices”), respect autonomy, provide agency, and allow for intrinsic motivation. Sound difficult? It is actually refreshingly simple (yet, not simplistic – the underlying methodology is grounded in psychology). The first steps in the program build a bond by showing the dog we respect their cognitive abilities and understand what is important to them. We get “ah-ha” moment within the first few hours and days. No restrictions or lengthy decompression periods (although, safety first).
How did we learn this program? From rescued dogs, of course! And then we taught it to hundreds of fosters, pet parents, and rescuers.
If you are considering adopting a senior dog, reach out to learn about our pet parent program for senior dog adoption.
If you are a foster, trainer or behaviorist, you will benefit from our upcoming certification course “Foster to Adoption Program”
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*Note - the dog in the photo is one of Billie’s many senior rescues. Avalon lived many years scrounging the beaches and streets of Costa Rica. She was a peaceful, deep soul. She lived out her senior years with Billie (one of the few she did not home). RIP Avalon.
