So...I want to rescue an old dog!?

I think that is very kind and sweet of you. An old dog would free up cages for more adoptable dogs. Old dogs may live a long time, like 5 years or more depending on it's age. You and I see treating animals the way we would want to be treated. I would not want to live my old age in a Nursing Home to say nothing about a danged cage. Cages are for a short period of time, not for the rest of a person's life. Like now there are rehab Nursing Homes where you rehab until you can go home. Just be careful of the expense. Old dogs do tend to be expensive. Also many people coming into PetSmart say that pairing an old and young animal together tends to help the older animal (as long as it likes the younger one) to lead a happier and healthier and maybe even longer life. Also sometimes the older animal tries to teach the younger one things. So I think your plan is a good one. Take care.

It's a noble thing that you want to do, adopting an older dog. And the reason, to make space for more "adoptable" and younger dogs, is a very good reason. As discussed, just be sure to find out all medical conditions and any diagnosis first. Speak to the vet that either took care of the animal (if known) or the vet that did the intake on the animal when it came to the shelter. Vet costs can be VERY expensive, especially since the tainted dog food issues. More kidney disorders are popping up all the time now. One thing you might consider is Pet Insurance. Much like additional Health Insurance for humans, they do offer it for pets. (One note... the cost has increased a LOT since the pet food recalls of last year, but it could still be worth it in the long run.) Certain normal check ups and emergency care can be covered. For instance I DIDN'T have the insurance last year when my son's dog, Achilles, the escape artist red-nosed pit and greyhound mix - check out my photos for a peek at him), decided to jump out of a window. He broke his hind leg and it cost me nearly $900.00 to have it fixed surgically and to go to all the follow up check ups. The insurance would have cost me about $700 for the year and it would have paid for the surgery and the follow up visits too. Anyway, ask your Vet if there is a Pet Insurance that he/she accepts and also find out if that insurance would cover pre-existing conditions or if it has certain things it would not cover for dogs of a certain age BEFORE you commit to buying it. Also, compare, compare, compare... They are NOT all the same. Get the best choice for you and the pet you want to adopt. Again, sit down and talk with your vet and ask their opinion too. Good luck and I wish you much success with your final decision.

it may hurt, but yes, you are going to help older dog and give him a good life. I think you are saint alive.... I am so happy to know your pure intention to help animals.

There is no right or wrong in this situation. You do what you think is best. Whatever your heart is telling you to do. You are really into dogs. Maybe you should have a career that allows you to work closely with them. Like maybe, your own dog grooming business or something like that.

I think that's a wonderful idea Lily. So many people adopt cute little cuddly puppies and kittens and pass up the older pets. Many older pets in shelters become lifers precisely because no one does want an older pet. And yes, maybe while adopting that older dog you might not have it for a long time, at least you can have the satisfaction that you rescued an older dog, and it finally found love and companionship rater than dying alone and unwanted in a cage

I believe you to be right... no one knows how long the animal might live, even puppies die.. you will be giving a home to one who is 'less adoptable', and most probaby surely facing euthanasia.. you will gain so much, a pet who already 'knows the basics' so to speak, who most probaby has been around humans for some time.. no paper training, no chewed up shoes, those things that make us nuts while they are puppies.. we shoud not disregard a life just because of its age, be it human or animal.. I firmly support adopting older pets, for these and other reasons, I have done so many times, as I have adopted baby animals.. I have found the older ones to be just as dear and precious.. they seem to appreciate once again having a home.. so you go find yourself a wonderful older dog, and let your sister stuff herself (just kidding)..

i think it is a wonderful idea to adopt an older dog. There are so many great dogs who are in shelters just because the owners couldn't keep them for whatever reason. The dog you choose will get to live out his last days, or even years, in a comfortable, loving home.

I think you are right about adopting an older dog. they will just sit the rest of their life in a cage and no be able to go outside or prolly get put to sleep before its time is up. You are definetly making the right decision here.

I think you are doing a wonderful thing, for all the reasons you have listed. Besides, you never know how long you will have with a pet (or a person, for that matter), age isn't the only factor in longevity, a young dog can bacome sick and die young while some grow to be 15 years or more. There is no telling. Knowing you have given quality, love-filled years to end years of a dog's life that might otherwise have been put down will be very rewarding and will help soothe the pain you may feel at having less years with them than if you had gotten a younger dog.

Old dogs are good. They have been around families and they are quite steady and do not need much training. Also for the time it is living, it will not have to worry about getting the needle and will be very happy and grateful. It will also give you great companionship and will not be hyper as a younger dog will, so it will be much easier when you take it for a walk. By all means, get an older dog and dom't be worried about what your friend says.

hi lily, what a kind and good heart you have... and how thoughtful in thinking to save 'more dogs, more often'. but i might worry that you would get 'hurt' too often then... losing a loved pet, or a number of loved pets many times over... but since you already thought about what you wanna do.. and i still think it is a noble thought... ALL THE BEST TO YOU! peace.

Hello there lily c",) i think that it is the sweetest thing to do for any adopted dog you would have. That is just a noble thing to do... I too love dogs and with your example i also want to adopt any homeless dogs, but it's just that my mom would no longer allow it because we already have 6 dogs at home... Good luck on your plan and don't worry about what other people would say, just follow your heart. Take care...

I think it is a great idea and too bad there isn't more people to make the remaining years of an old dog happy. Tips to make your dogs happy when you get them is to to allow them to live inside the house just like you.Never to leave them outside overnight in the weather.Let them sleep on your bed and lie on your couch.Always use a leash when walking them.Never let them roam around the neighborhood to irritate your neighbors when they poop in their yard.Have the time to give them lots of attention because they crave it.Be kind to your animals and if you are going to punish them for pooping or peeing on the floor only use a light newspaper,have patience when house breaking,it takes time.

That's a good thought.Adopting that dog will give it a lot of happiness in its last days and u will get the satisfaction of helping it too.And the dog will also have a lot of experience on the rescue job as it is old.