Thinking of adopting a dog of the slightly older age. What advice can you offer?

[CarnageAtThePancakeRace]

I notice that in animal shelters that older dogs are passed over in favour of younger more lively ones.

Understandable, I get it, but, I feel so much for the older ones, and I am thinking of adopting an one.

We will be first time dog adopters, so we might have a chance with an older one, do you think? I had childhood dogs, but that was a long time ago and dh family haven’t had any.

What advice/positive stories can you give/tell about adopting an older pooch?
Photos also please 😁

We adopted a 9 year old boxer in September which is old for the breed. Many reasons not to do it, pre existing conditions made insurance pointless, has issues with other dogs due to no socialisation during first five years of his life and had bitten a previous owner so couldn't get third party insurance.

However, he'd been in since March and unlikely to be taken by anyone else due to "issues" (many of which are simply being a boxer) and couldn't bear the thought of him ending his days without a forever home.

Assumed I would be adopting a doddery old boy who'd plod along next to me. Instead have a gentle 30kg loving lapdog who's greatest delight in life is carting half a tree home from the woods regularly kneecapping me when he turns round to make sure I'm still admiring him.

He shows all the signs of being abused in the past and was too scared to bark for the first few weeks but the best decision ever. Knowing we've given this gorgeous boy his forever home worth everything

You are just the best people. 💕

Assumed I would be adopting a doddery old boy who'd plod along next to me. Instead have a gentle 30kg loving lapdog who's greatest delight in life is carting half a tree home from the woods regularly kneecapping me when he turns round to make sure I'm still admiring him

HA! Love this.

@CarnageAtThePancakeRace have we convinced you yet?

@Santaiscovidfree

We took on a previous visitors ddog full time when she was about 8... In great health apart from her teeth. At 10 she cost me £800 in 10 teeth out!! Apart from that she is amazing at 11... She was previously living outside... Broke my heart. She shares a bedtime story with ds 6 every night. They have amazing bond!

@Santaiscovidfree, awwwww, she is beautiful 😻 🙂, @Pendingname, sounds like 30kg of amazement 🐶

@ladybee28 Yes, you have ❤️❤️ 🐶🙂😀

@ladybee28

Assumed I would be adopting a doddery old boy who'd plod along next to me. Instead have a gentle 30kg loving lapdog who's greatest delight in life is carting half a tree home from the woods regularly kneecapping me when he turns round to make sure I'm still admiring him

HA! Love this.

@CarnageAtThePancakeRace have we convinced you yet?

@ladybee28; I love your story and photos of Morgan, btw 🙂