You may be surprised, but many people think that any dog that is older
than 3 years old is too old to adopt. That's a big reason we have so
many older dogs in rescue. Everyone seems to want a puppy. We, as
rescuers, really aren't sure why.
"Older" dogs have so much to offer. With these dogs what you see is
usually what you get. These are the true rescues. They are the ones
who need you the most. In a time that they have been abandoned, and
even sometimes abused, they are looking for compassion and love for
the first time in their lives.
Many older dachshunds are actually more grateful to their new owners
so much more than you might imagine.
Many people are concerned that older dachshunds come with
"baggage." That is not usually the case. Dogs are turned over to
pounds, rescuers, and even turned out on the street usually because of
the owner's own faults. In rescue, we work very hard to work through the
problems he or she comes with, and we are very upfront and honest with
the new adopters. Older dogs are usually housebroken, or at least very
close to being housebroken. Many are also crate trained. Health issues
usually aren't much different than that of young dogs. A typical dog in
rescue (no matter what the age) is unaltered, un-vaccinated and has
heart worm. We, of course, resolve these issues before adoption. We
take pride in adopting out healthy dogs, no matter how old they are.
It is important to know that dogs of all ages can become ill, or develop
back problems.
Adopting a senior also has its rewards. So you think you won't have
much time to spend with a senior. Think about the joy you will bring to an
old dog's life, who may have never had true love. Knowing that you've
given that special life meaning in his or her last days, is a feeling that no
words can describe.