Adopting an Older Dog

What could possibly be more adorable than a puppy? With soft, velveteen ears and those innocent, limpid pools staring back at you---honestly, how could you resist? Puppies appeal to our playful and even protective side as they stumble about the world in a state of sheer amazement, eagerly attacking each new experience with great curiosity. Additional appeal lies in their diminutive size, as all things miniature have become the latest fad. We're a culture of convenience and while we want our snacks super sized we'd rather have pooches that fit in our purses. So where does that leave the older dog? You know, the one that's quite capable of humoring you with "sit, stay, and roll over." He's the one holding his bladder to the point of implosion as he frantically awaits your return from that last minute, Friday night Happy Hour you decided to attend.


Older dogs make great pets and although they may lack that adorable, puppy appeal, they hold many redeeming qualities worth your consideration.

Potty Trained: Stepping in wet, stinky pee puddles or watching your
perfectly polished hardwood floor get a new type of "finish" can
have you pulling out your hair in frustration. Older dogs
have been there and done that at someone else's expense.

Obedience: Older dogs are usually quite versed in basic commands.
Most of the hard work has already been done but don't believe
the hype; You can definitely teach your old dog many new tricks.

Size Matters: What you see is what you get when adopting an older pooch. But with a pound puppy, breed status and origin can be a bit
nebulous, so why not go with a full-grown Fido? By the time a dog reaches 3 years of age, you have a good idea of his height and weight.

Manners: While it's true many older dogs may have a little baggage, most of them have passed a basic behavioral assessment by either the shelter staff or rescue agency. How nice it will be to bring home a pooch who has already finished teething and doesn't keep you up all night whimpering into the wee hours.

Many of us have a hard time managing our busy schedules but still like the idea of having a canine companion to keep us company and help us stay active. While puppies may rule in the warm fuzzy department, an older dog can still be that loyal friend that fetches your slippers instead of tearing them to shreds. So the next time you consider getting a puppy to brighten your day, don't forget about the many fine, older dogs available for adoption or rescue;  You may find you have discovered a friend for life.

Take a Chance on a Jindo

Inspiration: Where does it come from? Maybe we've experienced a heartfelt act of kindness, or viewed an inspiring piece of art that elevated our hearts and minds. A powerful song or thoughtful commentary can energize us to push through the frustrations of the day, or even those dreaded last steps on the treadmill. Regardless of it's origin, inspiration can help the human spirit overcome the greatest of obstacles. When I think about Gabbey, my adopted Korean Jindo, I see an indomitable spirit that despite the odds, continues to display the innate will to overcome all of the abuse and neglect that has plagued him in the past.

Gabbey was a basket case as a puppy and had already been rejected by two homes who couldn't handle his primitive antics. With his distrustful nature and insecure personality (which would later turn into fear aggression) the odds of him getting adopted into a loving home were slim to none. I already had my hands full with an extremely dominant Akita mix living in a 1 bedroom apartment. But there was something about Gabbey and his desperate situation that I couldn't ignore. As he hovered in the corner cowering in fear, I couldn't come to terms with the fact that something so innocent and new to this world had already been so damaged and misunderstood. Infancy and youth is the most vulnerable state for all living creatures and it was unbearable to see something so young already extremely terrified of this world.

I'm torn because when I adopted Gabbey, I really didn't have the heavily touted "experience" that I currently endorse for prospective Jindo owners, yet somehow Gabbey's spirit and drive to succeed inspired me to never give up, no matter how much he challenged me. He would constantly test my patience and push me to the limits of my sanity, but I refused to give up on him. Now as he snuggles next to me and stretches out into his peaceful bliss, we both can breathe a sigh of relief and reflect on the great places this friendship has taken us. Here lies my little Jindo warrior, hunter, joker and fool but no longer the basket case of his youth. After leaving his trauma behind, he can finally accept love and whole heartedly give it in return; He's a poster boy for why we all deserve a second chance in this sometimes unforgiving world.

For more on Gabbey please visit: http://www.jindotales.com