by Terese Shaw

Fresno Bully Rescue shares their animal rescue adventures with us every other month. You can find more of their columns here and on KRL News & Reviews.

With July and August upon us again, we at FBR naturally worry just a bit more about our senior dogs and the effects of the hot summer months. We are temporarily housing a few great seniors at our shelter, and they would make great additions to a family. So, let’s talk about adopting a senior pet.

Let’s begin by saying that all dogs are great when it comes to improving your life. Did you know that spending time with your dog can significantly lower your blood pressure and improve your mood? This is a plus for the older dogs, cuddling and hanging out with you is their favorite thing to do! Activity wise, a nice short walk, grooming or a bit of play in the yard is all they require. When you are adopting a senior companion, you’re giving that dog a second chance not only to live, but also to have an owner who loves them unconditionally and will never give up on them. A person who will make sure that for the rest of that dog’s life they’ll have a loving home, food, and the care that they need.

Sheba, a senior up for adoption at Fresno Bully Rescue

There is something wonderfully different about senior adopters. They have a special and amazing heart that they are willing to put out there. Being able to love their senior whole heartedly, knowing their time will be short is a special breed in themselves. When a senior goes home from our shelter, we all hope that karma will follow. Hoping that they too will know unconditional love and grace the same they shared with their adopted dog.

Everybody loves puppies I get it. I love puppies, maybe your best friend just got a new puppy and you’re beside yourself with jealousy. It makes sense the default choice when adopting a new dog is to go for the younger pup. Puppies are cute and all, but they require a lot of time, work, and dedication. This is where a senior could be a perfect choice for newbies who may not have the time or desire for starting from scratch.

Gary, a senior up for adoption at Fresno Bully Rescue

Seniors bring a new kind of joy to longtime dog owners who want to experience the instant and unique bond formed with an older dog. When you rescue an older dog, you may feel like they instantly know that this fantastic new person has come to the rescue them and change both of your lives forever. Older dogs are ready to love and are incredibly appreciative of the love you’re bringing into your life. They’re perfect and always welcome an impromptu cuddle session. With age comes a more relaxed state of being for dogs, living a more relaxed lifestyle, and you get a fully developed personality.

Did you know that older dogs get adopted at a much lower rate than younger dogs? They should be enjoying the golden years and instead are sitting in a shelter up to four times longer than a younger dog. So, when considering adoption, keep in mind that giving a senior dog a home is giving them something they would never have known otherwise. The same goes for the love this dog will return to you in spades, the type of love that can only take place between a dog and a human that it’s saved.

Boss, a senior up for adoption at Fresno Bully Rescue

Gary is eight years old, originally coming to us from a county shelter. He loves the ladies, perfect in the home, loves people of all sizes, too. Not a fan of cats, stairs, or exercise, his hobbies include laying around….he’s amazing at it!

Boss is eight years old, adopted as a puppy and returned last year. He’s a great dog, would love a home with no other males, walks are welcome.

Please feel free to visit our website and check out all of our available seniors.

Fresno Bully Rescue
11740 E Belmont Ave, Sanger, CA 93657
Phone: (559) 276-7611
fresnobullyrescue.org

Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section here in KRL and on our sister website KRL News & Reviews. Advertise in KRL and 10% of your advertising fees can go to Fresno Bully Rescue.