You’re thinking of rescuing a dog from a shelter. There are several rows of tired faces, but you turn straight for the puppies. Though it is perfectly noble to rescue a dog at any age, it takes a greater strength to adopt elderly dogs you know will not live as long. That is precisely what people like Cindy Peters are made for. Instead of adopting puppies, Cindy rescues elderly dogs from shelters to give them peace in their final years, and she says she would do it again and again.
Cindy’s Story
The first elderly dog Cindy adopted was a nine-and-a-half year old basset hound named Daisy May. She had a wonderful home life, but her owner was no longer able to take care of her when she was transferred to a nursing home. “She was absolutely amazing,” Cindy recalled. “She knew when it was Saturday because my schedule was different, and she wanted to go everywhere with me.” After dozens of trips to the store with Daisy May in the cart, Cindy has worked with the Basset Hound Rescue of Georgia as the go-to foster mom for otherwise unwanted dogs. She currently lives with her sweet Addison, a fourteen year-old basset hound abandoned after a lifetime of breeding.
“Addison is doing great. She is amazing — my constant companion. Now I work from home and get to spend all day with her”
Seeing how grateful she is to have Addison in her life, she offers advice to new and prospective elderly dog owners to make the best experience for the owners and dogs alike.
What You Can Do for Them
Shortly after Cindy brought Addison home, she brought her breeding partner, Colton, as well to ease her transition to home life. “But when Colton came to my house, she (Addison) hid from him… And I decided that Addison is happier without him here. They only bonded because someone thought they should.” Since then, Cindy returned Colton to find another home to keep Addison comfortable.
Sometimes people fail to realize that dogs have mental health issues just like humans do. Just as Addison experienced trauma from Colton’s presence, dogs may experience anxiety, depression, forgetfulness, and even sundowners, which is unexplainable distress after dark.
The key to addressing these issues, Cindy reveals, is reading the signs and knowing what is best for them. By identifying the trigger and response, owners can adjust the surroundings to something more comfortable for the dog or even get prescription medicine.
By identifying the trigger and response, owners can adjust the surroundings to something more comfortable for the dog or even get prescription medicine.
Though this was not in Addison’s best interest, it is often helpful for newly adopted dogs to come home to a community of other dogs who are welcoming and comforting to acquaint them with their new home. Just like humans, having a support system is critical to staying comfortable and mentally stable.
The best way to avoid triggering mental distress altogether comes down to being understanding and patient. It is important for owners to never raise their voices, even if the dog has had an accident. Regardless of the case, oftentimes the dogs cannot help the mistakes they are making, and they will not understand why they are being punished.
“You might get frustrated, but they can’t help it. You’ve got to love them enough to love them through it.”
Video Tutorial: Cindy’s Advice to Prepare for an Older Companion
What They Can Do for You
As is the case for many other owners, elderly dogs are perfect for Cindy’s lifestyle, and her mental health and life satisfaction have been fulfilled by them. She was immediately drawn to older dogs due to their calming presence. Unlike puppies, elderly dogs are already trained, they do not need as frequent exercise, and they don’t get into nearly as much trouble! Even above chew-mark-free furniture, Cindy loves how her dogs give her the chance to act as a caretaker.
“That’s what gets me up every day: the feeling I get when taking care of others. These dogs want nothing more than a warm bed, food, and clean water… It absolutely changes my mental health for the better because I need to be needed. And, these animals, they need me.”
Of course, taking care of others’ mental health can be taxing on your own, especially in the event of losing an adopted dog. It is important for owners to recognize their own triggers and reactions and respond by asking others for help. Cindy notes that there are many Facebook groups that offer quick support and advice for owners with specific breeds or with dogs of a specific health issue. Being a member of a community that understands what owners are going through has been comforting to Cindy and the numerous members in each group.
In Conclusion, “Who Rescued Who?”
Even though dogs are imperfect beings, they are capable of providing undying relief and companionship to the owners willing to love them through it all. The gratitude elderly dogs express for simple deeds like clean water and a comfortable bed is limitless and rewarding beyond comparison.
“The first week or two they are nervous,” Cindy reported, “but finally seeing them sleep soundly and know they are home and safe, knowing I can give them that feeling of security and make a difference in a life that could not have made it without me is the most rewarding part.”
In loving memory of the rescues before Addison, Cindy finds comfort in knowing that she was there for them as they took their last breath when no one else was. Even entering these dogs’ lives as late as she did, she made a profound impact on every one of them and made their final years more peaceful than anywhere possible without her. As Cindy herself can attest, these elderly rescues have changed her life just as profoundly.
“I always know that there is another dog next in line that needs me just as much,” said Cindy. “I love my animals and every time I lose one it is heartbreaking, but I know that there is another one that’s going to need me.”
