Enjoy benefits of owning an older dog

7:56am Friday 18th July 2008

THE Blue Cross Animal Sanctuary, based in Catshill, is home to many dogs of all ages, sex and breeds, all looking for a new start in life with a loving new family.

However, some dogs appear to be overlooked simply because they are considered to be old'.

The average life expectancy of a dog is 15 years, although many people consider them to be old at seven years of age. While this is breed dependant, a lot of breeds, such as border collies, continue to be active well into their senior years.

Owning, or giving a home to an elderly dog, need not be negative as people may believe; there are actually many benefits to owning an older dog such as:- Older dogs usually come with a background history so you are able to make an educated decision as to what dog will be suitable for your lifestyle; They are usually toilet trained; An older dog is usually more docile and less demanding; They are also more settled already having gone through adolescence and learnt social skills/appropriate behaviour.

Miss Harold, who recently adopted Pixie, a ten-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier from the centre, cannot speak more highly of having adopted an older dog; "Due to work commitments I was looking for a dog who wouldn't need walking a great deal, but would be able to keep me company in the evenings and at weekends. As Pixie is ten, she has been through the puppy stages of life and no longer chews things around the house - which is a huge bonus, yet she is still able to learn new commands and take on new activities which is great fun for both of us."

At present there are three older dogs at the centre who are looking for loving new owners; Cassie, a 12-year-old female mongrel; Molly, a 13-year-old female mongrel and Holly, an 11-year-old female mongrel. They are all gorgeous animals who are being overlooked simply because of their age. If you feel you can offer them a new home and want to bring a smile to their faces once more please call 0121 453 3130 for more information.

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