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Almost Home Dog Rescue of Ohio is an all volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has rescued hundreds of dogs since our inception in 2003. 100% of all donations go directly to the care of our rescued dogs. Learn more about us ...
 "Why would you want to adopt a senior dog? Aren't you afraid you are going to love it and only have it for a year or so then have your heart broken again?"
I have been asked that so many times when people hear that I adopted our Troy, as a 10 year old Collie. I can understand the question completely. I asked it myself when we were first looking to adopt a Collie. Why would anyone want to do that? We had just lost our senior Chow/Collie mix and did not want to go through all of the heart wrenching loss again any time soon. I didn't think I could even consider a senior dog.
Then I found that I really didn't get it. I didn't have any idea of the love that adopting a senior dog can bring into your life.
I fiercely love our Troy Boy and the connection I have felt to him the first time I saw his face isn't logical. I knew that we would have a few years together at best. There was something about that face.
.jpg) As the Adoption Director of Almost Home I see a lot of great dogs come into our system and get adopted out. So why was I drawn to this senior boy who was underweight and had health issues and had been thrown away at a kill shelter like a piece of trash? I believe now it was because I had so many lessons to learn about senior dogs as well as our society's view on seniors. And he was the dog to teach me those lessons.
 Senior dogs are the most devoted dogs you could ever have. They don't need a lot. A warm bed, good food, attention and love, a good scratch. You don't have to worry about them chewing up anything, you don't have to entertain them, and you don't even have play with them constantly to keep them happy.
 In fact, if you throw a ball for most senior dogs you will get a disdainful look as if to say "Do you REALLY think I am going to go chase that?" They are content to be where you are. They keep you in their sight and follow you around silently. They are so grateful that you gave them a chance. I can't explain it but that is exactly what we see in every senior dog Almost Home rescues.
 When a senior dog loses its home or is discriminated against because of its age, I think many "seniors" in our society can certainly relate. They can see that an older dog has so much to give to its family, just like they do and many seniors, (both dogs and human) have a lot to give and are still productive. Dogs and people should not be thrown out because of their age! So many wonderful senior dogs that Almost Home has taken in were left to die in cold, noisy kill shelters as if they were worthless.
 So why adopt a senior dog? Because every minute you have with this special creature is a gift. A few years with these dogs is worth more than you can ever imagine and something I cherish. Senior dogs bring lessons of loyalty, devotion, calmness, contentment. When I look into my Troy's eyes, I wonder at the wisdom I see. I wish I could know his story. I want him to know that he is loved and protected for the rest of his life. I hope that makes up for the neglect he has suffered. I will make this time we have together the happiest he has ever known.
And you know what? I know why I adopted a senior dog. I think we rescued each other.
- Charlene Molnar
Want to know more? Read:
Why adopt a senior? | Almost Home's Senior to Senior Program |
Almost Home Dog Rescue of Ohio
is a CFC Approved Charity.
CFC Code: 46286
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