Celebrate Adopt A Senior Pet Month By Bringing A ‘Mature’ Rescue Home From Old Dominion Humane Society In November

Senior dogs are surrendered or abandoned for numerous reasons, such as an owner’s illness, passing away or economic hardship. Whatever the cause, senior pets were once family members and deserve to have that chance again. Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) encourages adopters to check out the many sweet, “mature” dogs available during Adopt a Senior Pet Month this November.

Meet Hannah, the marvelous 12-year-old senior lady who is small in size (just under 8 lbs!) but massive in heart and happiness! This joyful little girl is thriving in her foster home, proving that age is just a number as she charms everyone she meets. If you're looking for a sweet, easygoing, and utterly lovable companion, this petite powerhouse is an absolute catch!

“We have senior rescues in need of homes where they’ll feel safe and secure,” said Chrissy Hamilton, ODHS founder. “Most of these dogs have already been part of a family, so it’s easier for them to adapt to the new environment. These dogs are still energetic, love to take walks and are the perfect companions for relaxing.”

Looking for a quiet companion? Senior boy Carson is ready to relax and be adored! He has excellent house manners, walks nicely on a leash, and gets along beautifully with other dogs. Find out more about giving Carson the loving retirement he deserves!

According to Hamilton, Merengue is an example of a senior rescue dog who brought so much happiness to his ODHS foster family and, eventually, his adopters. Merengue is 14 years old, blind and deaf, and his foster learned that he was funloving and got along well with the other dogs and people in the house. He followed the foster everywhere, because she wore the same perfume, making her easy to locate. His foster was amazed at how well Merengue navigated his way through the house, enjoyed playing with the other dogs and loved the attention from her children. She said the dog was “aging backward.”

Meet Iago! This distinguished 8-year-old senior rocks a mohawk, loves little walks, and is a champion blanket-burrower. He's a quiet, low-maintenance companion with great house manners and a gentle soul. Iago is ready to sleep in your bed and bring laid-back charm to his forever home!

An observance of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Adopt a Senior Pet Month is earmarked to let people know there are many bonuses that come from opting for a “mature” dog. The following are just some of the reasons senior dogs are a great choice.

• If size is a worry, senior dogs have already gone through their growth spurts and won’t get any bigger.

• Senior dogs are usually house-trained and don’t require the supervision that a younger pup might.

• Older dogs are usually crate and leashed trained, which makes them lower maintenance pets.

• Because senior dogs generally wait the longest to be adopted, the volunteers get to know them and their personalities. Adopters will find out about these dogs from the people who know them best.

• While many older dogs still have lots of energy, they’re also some of the best companions for watching television, reading and taking a nap. Who wouldn’t want a buddy to snuggle up next to?

Ragnar is a sweet, 60-pound dog who is 9 years young and still loves to hit the trails! An easy-going personality and good manners with other dogs make him a wonderful companion.