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"Blessed is the person who has earned
the love of an old dog."
- Sydney Jeanne Seward
Are
you looking for a…
loyal
companion with good manners
who will love you unconditionally
because you gave them a second chance at a happy life?
Then
an older beagle is for you!
Many people automatically think of a puppy when they think of adopting a dog. Puppies are warm and cuddly, and everyone wants to hold and pet them. But puppies demand patience and energy to help them become wonderful family members and companions. Older dogs, however, can be as cute and lovable as puppies, and they often come with many wonderful qualities that puppies take years to grow into. 
Maybe you are reluctant to adopt a senior dog because you fear that your time with your new best friend will be short, bringing that painful time of loss closer. But the privilege of loving a senior dog makes every single day special, as you and your companion share love, friendship, and a special relationship that grows stronger with the knowledge that you have given this fine old dog a second chance at life. The love that grows from this knowledge is stronger than the pain of eventual separation.
So spread the word! Adopting a senior dog is a wonderful experience for you and your new dog. You will gain a faithful companion. You will save a life. And don't forget, senior dogs and senior people bring out the best in each other. Old dogs make great friends!
Top 10 Reasons To Adopt an Older Beagle:
"
Older beagles have been housetrained. With older dogs, you avoid
the chores of teaching house manners and cleaning up frequent
accidents-leaving you more quality time to spend with your pooch
or for that long "to-do" list.
"
Older beagles are respectful. In addition to not messing in
your house, older dogs won't bother you for a potty break in
the middle of the night. And, because they're well past the
teething stage, they won't ruin your clothes and furniture.
"
Older beagles are smart. They already understand basic commands
and the meaning of "no." And since they're mellower
than puppies, older dogs can focus better and quickly learn
to please.
"
Older beagles are more predictable. Because older dogs are fully
grown and have established personalities, they often come with
fewer unwanted surprises (like growing twice the size you expected!).
With older beagles, "what you see is what you'll get."
"
Older beagles understand you better. They know how to deal with
humans (and often other pets) and quickly learn their place
in the pack. And because they're more independent and less needy,
they can more easily adapt to your lifestyle. 
"
Older beagles have more love to give. Older dogs are often left
behind in shelters and are more likely to be euthanized. By
adopting an older beagle, you give him a second chance and possibly
the best years of his life. In return, you'll receive the unconditional
love of a forever-grateful friend.
"
Older beagles are often ideal for families with young children
for many of the reasons above. Child-friendly older dogs can
be a calming influence (on both children and parents!) and are
gentler than younger dogs-especially puppies-who are still jockeying
for position in the household.
"
Older beagles are also ideal for older humans-both enjoying
life at a little slower pace.
"
Older beagles don't always have higher medical costs. While
some people assume that older dogs need more expensive medical
care, any dog can require medical attention at any time.
"
Beagles typically live 12 to 15 years, so you will have many
happy years to spend with your older dog. And those years will
be so special for you and her because of the remarkable bond
that forms between older dogs and their adopters.
Testimonials From BONES Adopters:
"Our
older beagles have such gentle spirits and kind, loving souls.
They are SO appreciative of the love and care  we
give them.It is an unconditional love like no other. Once you
experience it, you are hooked. They are so deserving of living
out their golden years in dignity….When you rescue an adult
or senior dog, you are truly giving them a second chance at
life. They are very special companions and you will always have
their undying love and admiration. Try it-you will love it and
be hooked for life!" The Amaral Family
____________________________________________
"There are many reasons why I have adopted senior beagles.
My senior dogs were already housebroken and their personalities
were formed so I didn't have to guess if they'd like my kids/grandkids
and other dog… And they're mostly concerned with napping
and not the destruction of my personal property! But the number
one reason I've adopted senior dogs-those big brown eyes that
are now a little cloudy but look on me with endless love and
gratitude." Wendy Theriault
____________________________________________
"Our older beagles are a bit slower and calmer-though still
full of life and spunk. They adapated very quickly to sacking
out on the couch, afternoon naps, and going to bed early. They
came potty trained, leash trained, crate trained, have a bit
of 'common sense,' and are well endowed in the manner department.
What they don't know they learn easily because of the calm and
laid back state they have finally reached. And to top it all
off, because they are so appreciative of a warm home and lots
of love, they will do just about anything to keep my husband
and me happy." Nancy and Butch Benn
____________________________________________
"After fostering Baxter (a VERY senior beagle) and eventually
adopting him in 2002, I was hooked on senior dogs.  Sadly
Baxter only lived 9 months, but I do believe they were the best
9 months of his life! Baxter taught me so much in those 9 months
and I have tried to honor his memory by rescuing other needy
beagles. Last year I fostered Rufus (another senior beagle)
and eventually adopted him as well. He was very ill and neglected.
With the medical care BONES provided and the TLC he received
from me and the rest of my fur family, Rufus has been rejuvenated
and now runs and plays with my youngest BONES beagle, Ally.
They have become BEST friends! The way Rufus looks at me and
follows me everywhere, you can just see the love and gratitude
in his eyes." The Amaral Family
____________________________________________
"We have Casey [adopted when he was about 8], a retired
hunter who came to us after 5-6 months in a small shelter with
poor care and diet. He's turned into the most beautiful, loving,
and loyal beagle. And he's the best snuggler and companion…and
the best- mannered beagle we have." Nancy and Butch Benn
____________________________________________
"A little over 4 ½ years ago, upon the urging of
relatives, we adopted an older beagle, Charlie, who was desperate
for a new home. We were told that he was 8 years old and in
good health. Although I had my hands full caring for my husband
who had Alzheimer's disease, a look at those sad big eyes and
the skinny body of this poor dog made me decide to adopt him.
A veterinary check-up found that Charlie was at least 3-4 years
older than we [thought] and very sick. His age was fine with
us as we are both very much senior citizens! Luckily for us,
the vet was able to restore his health and Charlie bloosomed.
Meanwhile, my husband's condition worsened so much that I had
to put him in a nursing home. Suddenly, I found myself living
alone. Charlie somehow must have sensed my pain because from
then on, he never left my side and became even more affectionate
and lovable. Every morning my dog walker would take him for
a walk but then for the rest of the day Charlie seemed to prefer
to stay with me rather than romp in the backyard.
One
morning, after not having felt too well for a few days, I collapsed
on the dining room floor just as Charlie had returned from his
walk. He ran to me, started to bark furiously and to howl and
almost scream for help, which alerted the dog walker that something
was wrong. [The dog walker] came quickly…, called 911 and
I was hospitalized with pneumonia. My dearly beloved Charlie
had saved my life with his desperate barking!
As
time passed on, the dog developed serious health problems and
could hardly walk due to his arthritis. Last May, the painful
decision had to be made… and with me talking to him and
thanking him for the happiness he had given me, he was put to
sleep. Too grief-stricken, I was sure that I would never adopt
another dog and I was literally in mourning for a few months.
But then my great love of animals took over (years ago we lived
with 25 rescued cats and 2 German shepherds!) and I began to
long for another "senior citizen" beagle. By lucky
coincidence, I met Alan Finkenaur, a dedicated BONES volunteer
who promised to find me such a dog who would get along with
my cats (both elderly). Last September (lucky day!), my Freddy
arrived… and it was love at first sight! While described
as a "senior citizen" he has great energy, love of
life and is very affectionate-his preferred bed is my lap! I
am so happy with him and my cats, and I pity those people who
live without pets; they don't even know how much they miss!
At 86 years of age, I find that an older beagle is an ideal
companion for a senior citizen and I wish that many more happy
people/dog matches could be arranged….."
Edith Godel
More Information on Adopting Senior Dogs:
The
Senior Dogs Project
http://www.srdogs.com
Sanctuary
for Senior Dog:
http://www.sanctuaryforseniordogs.org/
The
Beagle Club of NSW, Inc.: Happy Endings
http://www.beagleclubnsw.org.au/rescue_success.htm
SOS
Beagle Rescue, Inc.: In Praise of Older Dogs
http://www.sosbeagles.org/inpraise.html
Friends
of San Martin Animal Shelter: Consider Adopting an Older Dog!:
http://www.fosmas.org/dogs/mature.htm
Labrador
Retriever Rescue, Inc.: Top 10 Reasons to Adopt a Rescue
http://www.lrr.org/reading-room/why-adopt.html
*Adapted from many of the links above
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