Senior dogs and adoption and The senior dogs project

“Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made. Our times are in his hand who saith, 'A whole I planned, youth shows but half; Trust God: See all, nor be afraid!'” Robert Browning


Tidewater Bichon Frise Rescue is often the only chance at a new life an older Bichon has.  I have watched how hard auntie Robin has worked to educate the public out there as to why an older Bichon is very often the ideal companion.  So many misconceptions out there, even about something as simple as the definition of an "older" dog.  It is somewhat stupid to call an 8 year old Bichon a "senior" since with proper care he will live to 16-17 even 18 years. At 8 he is at best middle aged, hardly senior. {JD really gets POed at that one!}

Over the years, lots of conversations have taken place about the wisdom and lack thereof, in the placement of puppies with older two leggeds.  I am who I am.  I am a Bichon. I will go ahead and say this and if it offends someone, so be it. If you are an older two legged, getting a puppy is NOT the right thing to do.  Do the math.  If your prospective dog is likely to outlive you... be fair. Be real. Be kind. Don't adopt that puppy. You are only going to make that puppy an orphan that will end up in rescue IF it is lucky.  From a practical point, the cuteness of that puppy will wear off quickly when you realize that you do not have the energy to keep up with that play, chew, poop machine. Assuming you survive the puppy teething stage, how fair is it to that ball of energy that his or her new owner can't play with or exercise that dog for lack of energy?That puppy is not right for you anymore than that string bikini or speedo are...

Look around, I bet that near you there are at least 10 "senior" dogs in need of rescue.  So, are you a youth vampire [which by the way, does NOT work... in fact, next to a puppy you look even older!!!!]  or are you a real human being? Be real. Open your heart and home, welcome a senior dog. That senior dog has wisdom that comes from experiences, it has insight that comes from observation, it has gratefulness and loyalty that come from having lost a home.

Dawson,  Quincy, Frisco, all wait for adoption. If you are in Tidewater VA, or within 100 miles, do it, give yourself the gift of love, adopt one of those wonderful boys. If you are outside the 100 mile radius, go here: http://www.srdogs.com/Pages/needhomes.intro.new.html

Just think unconditional love has the greatest rewards.

'vie