Kindness, Beauty, and Wisdom - The Older Dog

By Wanda Stover

I would like to share with you a heartwarming story that could possibly make a difference and save the lives of some older dogs in animal shelters. This is my goal. To speak out and educate people.

I have seen firsthand someone bring their 13 year old dog to the shelter and honestly thinking it was going to find a new home. They seemed shocked that their dog would most likely die there. I do know regardless of what decision they made, they really had no idea. Some know and do not care, but the people that do care may very well have no clue.

The older dogs are almost always passed over by potential adopters and rescue organizations when they visit animal shelters. A lot of them are slow and stiff when moving. Many will have dull or matted coats. They may be painfully thin or grossly overweight. These issues are easily cured with a good groom, a quality diet, and some supplements.

Unfortunately, older dogs will often have vision issues or ear or ear and skin infections. Blind dogs are amazing. Most adapt so well and you will forget they are blind. They can often climb stairs and after only a bit of time to become familiar with their surroundings, they are all over the place.

I could go on and on about these dogs. We could all learn a lot from them. They have such a happy wonderful attitude and love for life.

The dogs that were strays or lived outside all of their lives may be heart worm positive. It is not just the older dogs… PLEASE!! educate yourself about heartworm disease. It does not matter how old your dog is, if you adopt, or purchase from a breeder. HW effects dogs of all ages. There are so many people that think heartworm disease is always fatal, or a dog is damaged forever. Some think it is a contagious disease and their other pets will get it. None of this is true. It is curable. A quick trip to the vet will determine the best option. Educate yourself and ask questions. Please do not doom a dog that you find is HW positive. There are options. The biggest favor you can do for your dogs is give it monthly HW prevention.

Some older dogs will have old injuries that were never properly cared for leaving them deformed or crippled. What lies under the matted dirty fur and behind the cloudy eyes is a strong and loving spirit full of life and willing to give unconditional love and companionship to its human.

However, most people will not take the time to see or appreciate what an older dog has to offer. People pass them by never giving an older dog a second thought, as most seem to favor puppies and younger dogs. The big majority only see the cute playful antics of a puppy and not giving a second thought to the care and attention this pup will need to be healthy, happy and housebroken. So often in less than a year the dog is back at the shelter, abandoned somewhere or the owner is knocking on a rescue's door. Rescues are always full, short on foster homes and volunteers, but most will usually find a place for one younger dog or puppy.

I am in no way criticizing any rescue. Facts are facts. People want the young dog. Older dogs that are taken in at animal shelters have little hope of leaving there alive. Many many are wonderful, sweet dogs with a lot of love to give. So intelligent and wise and I love them all. 

The main reason I am reaching out today is "Ella." Ella is an older dog that looked a mess, skin and bones, matted fur, and now love, care, proper diet and vet care is slowly transforming her into beautiful, trusting dog. 

I have been doing dog rescue for several years. I had gone to the Gwinnett Animal shelter to look at a Cocker for the Cocker rescue I volunteer for. This is when I saw her. She looked a mess. If anyone adopted her it would be a miracle. She was such a kind soul. I visited her each day until her time was up. When I say time was up..this means without help from someone such as myself or a rescue, she would be killed.

Click here to find out what happened next.