Old dog care photo

A few weeks ago, a television station in the Minneapolis/St Paul Metro ran a story on pet rescue. Whether you are looking for a dog, cat, horse or bird there is a shelter with a rescued pet up for adoption in the Twin Cities. The particular organization featured in the news story embraced the mission of helping older dogs find new homes. 

Our own family adopted our dog Tikki, from a shelter as a 7-month-old semi-puppy. He was a huge part of our family for 17 years and I will have to admit the older years were a bit easier than the young dog years. Older dogs are calmer with a desire to please their masters. As Tikki aged, we were concerned for as his eyesight and muscles failed him. We built him a dog ramp and had several dog beds around the house to keep his old bones comfortable. My husband was inspired to research and built a website with information on older dog care. Tikki brought much joy to our family life for over a decade after he became a “senior dog” at the ripe old age of seven.

So when WCCO did a news story on a local dog rescue organization, I just had to watch. The Top Dog Foundation in New Germany, MN focuses on finding loving homes for what some consider an “un-adoptable” animal, the senior dog. In the story, I was struck by the comment that older dogs are more appreciative of their new homes as they know what is to be unloved for a time and then adopted and properly spoiled again. If you are looking for an older dog who will appreciate all of the love your family has to offer, check out Top Dog or any one of a large number of no-kill shelters who seek loving homes for older dogs.

LINK to List Pet Rescue Organizations in the Twin Cities.

 

 

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This post has been included in Minnesota Real Estate News Anoka County, MN Real Estate News
Post is included in group: Internet Empowered Consumer
Post is included in group: Posts to Localism
Post is included in group: PetProject
Post is included in group: Minnesota Real Estate

9 Comments on Adopting an Older Dog Brings Joy to Your Family

APR
09
2012
400,348 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Teri - Great post.  Older dogs bring an incredible amount of joy to a home.  They really are appreciative of a new home and know what it's like to not be loved, or part of a loving home.  I hope more people open then hearts to older animals!
1:56pm • #1
645,062 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Teri, I am touched and appreciative of this post. I volunteer with a rescur group in my area and we have a good deal of older dogs whose owners died, or were abandoned or any number of other reasons. I have adopted older dogs and they are a joy, they appreciate any and every little thing. I'm sorry you lost Tikki, but clearly he had a good and long life with you. I hope you honored him by adopting again.
3:35pm • #2
524,476 Points 46 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Teri, this is incredible and there is nothing like a matured dog who still can have plenty of pup in their step.  This is a terrific post and I so appreciate you participating in this contest and especially in this Group.
8:59pm • #3
1,113,862 Points 101 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

very moving story.  We took in an 8 month old abused pup.  We had some challenging moments, but it's all worked out these past 4 years now.
9:12pm • #4
APR
10
2012
1 Featured Post Called Shot Master

Teri, you make a great point in your post - your "senior" dog went on to live another 10 years after qualifying for AARP! Adopting a senior pooch doesn't necessarily mean he/she will be with you for a short amount of time. I wish more people realized the love and dedication you can get from an older dog! 
7:15am • #5
564,633 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi All! We enjoyed several years with our dog Tikki and though he did slow down a lot the last year, he was very loving thoughout his life. If we do adopt another pet, it will be an older shelter dog or cat! :)
9:16am • #6
APR
11
2012
409,320 Points 4 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Teri, What a beautiful and moving post.  This is a wonderful idea, not only for the older dogs, but for those not wanting to deal with puppy behavior.  It's a win-win situation for all involved.  Thank you for posting this.
3:12am • #7
564,633 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Elyse--That's one reason why I wrote it. A dog is considered "senior" at 7 but they often live long healthy lives for years beyond that. Adopting older dogs can be the perfect situation for many families. And there are so many breeds available as these shelters are full to the brim with adoptable dogs!
12:06pm • #8
APR
14
2012
697,950 Points 15 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Teri, I won't go into all the details, but an older dog literally knocked on our door.  He is now a big part of our family although mostly he just sleeps on his big LLBean bed, the deck and any flower bed he pleases.

Thanks for bringing this up.  Older abandoned pets are harder to find adoptive homes for, but they are wonderful pets and deserve our love and care, too.
4:42pm • #9

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Teri Eckholm, REALTOR® Anoka&Washington Counties Acreage & Lakeshore Homes

Ham Lake, MN

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Address: 4910 Highway 61 N, White Bear Lake , MN, 55110

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Theresa "Teri" Eckholm/REMAX Specialists assists Minnesotans to find their way home with helpful tips and quality service. Dedication to customer service has made Teri the REALTOR® of choice for families in Blaine, Forest Lake, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and Wyoming areas. Licensed in MN.


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