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Here are some tips about finding your older dog…
When you are looking at the dogs, ask the attendant if there is a detailed history of the dog you're interested in. Sometimes, there is. It's important to know the temperament of the dog, and the detailed histories often provide that. The people who care for the dog daily may also have valuable input for you. Things to ask about include: is the dog house broken (does not go to the bathroom in the house)? Is he or she well-mannered with the current care givers? Does the dog seem to respect the other animals in the shelter? Have they seen the dog with small children? Does the dog seem hyperactive or unusually aggressive?

Also, as you're looking the dogs over, remember that they are truly not at their best. Take them home and give them some extra brushing, snacks, and a quieter life and they'll look much better FAST!

Placing an adult dog in a home is a big decision, and should receive the appropriate amount of consideration. People usually choose puppies because they are "cute." Have you ever seen a Bassett Hound puppy – adorable! It's hard not to take one home, even if you don't want a dog! One rule to follow that will help avoid a very common pitfall of getting an older dog is this: never choose an older dog simply because you feel sorry for him or her.

Lastly, and this is important, don't just grab an older dog off the streets, or a stray. The dog could be seriously diseased, or it could have negative behavioral attributes that might be dangerous to both you and any children. Either condition is wholly undesirable. If you take a dog home and the family gets close to, and then you find out it will require a couple of thousand dollars in medical treatments to be 'okay,' your enjoyment of the animal will never be 'right.' To avoid against such problems, choose your older dog from a reputable shelter, kennel, or government-run establishment where they have medically checked all the dogs.

If you do decide to get an older dog as a pet, then good for you! And you should feel good about giving one of the homeless a loving and healthy environment to live out its years in. No doubt, he or she will spend their lives thanking you – in the dog way, that is…

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