If you have considered it but haven’t yet adopted an older dog, I would personally recommend you do - so long as you can afford/budget for the  possible vet bills that might come along more frequently with these lovely golden oldies.  However, it is worth remembering some dogs homes pay for the veterinary treatment of their elderly re-homed dogs.

The 19th September 2009 saw our elderly Collie’s ‘first birthday’ with my family. Now aged 12, Holly the Collie has truely settled in to her forever home and is a joy to own. 

When we first brought her home you could see the confusion and uncertainty in her eyes, but soon her eyes had softened and she began to show her true colours as the truly wonderful, gentle dog she is. Holly settled in very easily with no mishaps, and literally just copied her new best friend Molly the chocolate lab.

Now, a year on, her eyes are beautifully soft, and, when she’s not out and about, she happily lies around the house in one of her many beds. She is now confident, happy and relaxed, and loves her early morning walks when she bounces down the drive, tail wagging and looking over her shoulder to see if we’re going to get into the car or carry on by foot. She loves her second daily walk too, but her morning ones appear to be her favourite.

According to her records we are her third home and I just have to say I really don’t understand why!?!? Apart from a little flatulence (which is easily curbed with daily doggie probiotics on her tea) she is a wonderful, gentle and perfect dog. After just a couple of weeks we knew we had absolutely made the right decision taking on an elderly dog - she is so calm and well behaved, and instinctivly knows what to do. 

We were probably lucky to have chosen a dog who was well balanced, but it’s worth remembering that dogs can easily become unbalanced if their owners do not demonstrate leadership qualities.

We didn’t really know what Holly was like before we took her home, but she is now a very happy and relaxed dog due to the fact that from day one with us she has lived with calm, assertive pack leaders, who on a daily basis give her exercise, discipline and love - in that order. We are consistent with her rules and boundaries so she knows what is expected of her and knows what is acceptable behaviour. 

If Holly had not received this leadership when she came to live with us, a year on I might be telling you a different story. All dogs need calm, assertive, well balanced pack leaders in order for them to be well balanced. 

If you are thinking of adding a dog to your family please do not forget these wonderful elderly dogs are also looking for a second chance. They really are fabulous to re-home.