I’ve had a number of older owners book lessons with me lately—more than half a dozen individuals and couples in their 70s and even 80s, all wanting some training help with their new dogs or puppies. I’ve been impressed by their optimism and commitment in taking on a dog who may live 10 or 15 or more years as well as their dedication to training and improving the dog’s behavior. And almost all of these clients bought a purebred puppy.
I haven’t questioned any of these clients about why they bought a puppy instead of adopting an adult dog from a local shelter (though I did offer my appreciation to the one client who did!). But I was discussing this with my sister, who started the conversation by telling me about a senior citizen friend of hers who bought a puppy after being denied the opportunity to adopt from their local shelter (in Colorado). After smarting from the rejection—she’s an experienced dog owner with the means to care for a dog very well, and has a younger backup person in place, in case something happens to her—she formulated a plan. She bought a puppy (from a breeder who had no age limitations on their buyers) and she convinced two of her elderly friends to also adopt pups from the same litter, so they could get the three pups together regularly for socialization and dog-sit for each other when one of them travels or has medical appointments—a brilliant arrangement!
However, I will say that most of the older clients I’ve worked with recently did find their puppies to be somewhat overwhelming. Even though all of them are experienced dog owners, it’s been some time since they raised a puppy—and raising a youngster is different at 80 than 60! But at least one client admitted to me that while she went to the local shelters to look for a dog who would be suitable to adopt, she was frightened by the overwhelming supply of large, untrained adolescent dogs; she didn’t see any friendly small dogs at all! So she started looking at online ads for breeders of small dogs.
Is it an urban legend that shelters and rescues are denying older clients the opportunity to adopt? Or have you seen this in your area? And are you aware of any smart alternative to help seniors who want to own dogs until the end of their days find a suitable canine companion?
My local humane society has a program for seniors adopting senior dogs. Adoption fees are waived. Rescues, not so much. My parents had problems adopting a dog when they were in their 70s an they outlived her. They wanted another and I went along with my Mom who looked younger than her age. The didn’t ask her age and that dog has been the best thing for them. They are 95 now and dote on it. They have a huge yard and the neighbors next door have a doggy daycare and will occasionally come over to “borrow” Dolly when they have some young puppies that need some play to tire them out. My parents have the financial means so that Dolly has the best vet care, four dog beds, although she does sleep in the bed and the best food and lots of toys. When they pass my Mom has assured me that Dolly will come to live with me as she and Freyja are BFFs and I was the one that found them Dolly, went with my Mom to the adoption and to the puppy classes and social play times.
I don’t think it is illegal for private rescues to practice age discrimination but I will say that older people make great pet parents. They often own their own homes, have the financial means to provide the best food and vet care and time to devote to training, exercise and socialization. The myth that families with young children are idea is just that, a myth. Often both parents work, the kids are at school and when home are busy with their friends, on the computer or watching TV. And if there is a crisis or a move, the dog is often the first thing to go because they are moving, the new place doesn’t allow dogs or they can’t afford it from a job loss. If I ran a rescue, retirees would be my first choice to place a puppy or dog, no matter the age. People are living longer, healthier and more active lives. There should never be an age limit on adopting.
The rescues I volunteer with and foster for (I’ll soon be 69) adopt to adults who are able to appropriately exercise and care for that individual dog. Will they deny a 3-month-old Husky pup to an 86-year-old? Yes, unless they have someone else living with them who can handle the puppyhood and crazy exercise needs. But, we often have adult German Shepherds, for example, who are well-trained by their foster homes and would be perfect in that environment, as long as there is a plan.
I also teach classes at our local club. In one of my recent classes I had an 80-year-old who adopted a two year-old Mastiff; a 60-something with a 8-month-old typically crazy baby Vizsla (I once had a lovely one myself, and know I can’t have one now); and a disabled 50-something who obtained a bouncy Rottweiler puppy. None of them could even hold onto the leash; several were afraid their dogs would pull them over, so never practiced leash walking. It was a nightmare. I tethered the dogs to wall beams on long lines so the owners could practice in class without being pulled over after one was when she was walking her dog on lead. I had to meet the owners at their cars and walk the dogs into class and then walk them back out afterward. Kudos to these ladies for taking class! But I questioned them about their choice of breeds and age. They wanted puppies, and they wanted the breeds they wanted. 🙁
I am sad for people when they are turned down by a rescue as the individual dog they want is deemed unsuitable, as I am for anyone who isn’t a fit for a particular dog. I hope rescues take the time to point out the needs of the individual dogs and not just say, “You are too old for it.” It is an opportunity for education, and to remind people who may not have had a puppy for 15+ years of first year+ energy and challenges. Some individual dogs, even pups, have temperaments that suit people with slower reflexes and some are tanks that mow down anything in their way! Every situation is different.
I realize I probably have my last personal puppy, but I intend to continue to foster as many puppies and dogs as I can, as long as I am able. They give me such joy, and when they go to their Forever Homes I have new friends who keep in touch!
Those who are denying older people the ability to adopt a dog are usually in their mid twenties to thirties. However, what they do not realize is that one day they will be in their 70’s and beyond in age. Those in the younger age category- your intellect or lack of it is appalling. Age should not be a factor in the adoption process.
This is true. A friend of mine lives in a modular home. He does not have a fenced in yard, but he walked his previous dog in the park every day, sometimes 2 or three times a day. He is retired, so he is at home all the time. He has been denied dogs at a rescue, mostly because of the yard. I say, how many dogs are just stuck in the house all day and all they have is the yard because their owners do not walk them. And he is home all the time. He does not want a puppy. He wants to rescue an adult dog from a shelter. I will have to suggest to start going to breeders. It is true that what you have to pay a rescue, you might as well go for it. Thank you for this article.