Adopting a dog. How old is too old?

[Unshifted]

Hello, everyone!

I was posting on here a lot right around the time that my dog had to be put to sleep. It's been about 5 months or so and I'm ready to adopt a new dog.

My boyfriend and I don't want a puppy, so we're looking at dogs that are around a year old. I found a dog I really like and he sounds like a good match for us, but they approximate his age at about 2.

I'm a little nervous about getting a dog because my old dog lasted for such a long time. I had him from since I was about 8 until I was 22. I'm scared that I'll get another dog, get real attached and the dog will die in like, 5 years. I know that's a risk you have to take, but it makes me nervous.

The dog I'm looking at getting is a beagle/feist mix (but I'm never sure if they know for sure, or if they're just guessing based on looks. I'm guessing the latter) do you think 2 is too old? Or is two still real young? I've only had one dog in my life so I don't really remember what a dog at 2 is like.

I don't want to write a dog off because he's a year older than I'd like, but I also don't want to get a dog that's too old. I know two isn't very old, but I'm just not sure.

And in kind of an unrelated question, is two too old to change the dogs name?


Thank you guys for your help!

[katiem]

Personally I feel there is no such thing as "too old", so I can't really help. Age shouldn't really matter, and two is still quite young.

You can change a dogs name at any age too.

[Unshifted]

I agree. I honestly would love to adopt an older dog, like a senior, because I know they need the most help and no one really wants them. But since we just got over losing my one dog, I'm not sure I can emotionally take on an older dog.

I really want to have a long time with my new dog, which is why age is a concern to me.

Thank you for responding about the name :)

[squashynose]

If you were looking to adopt a 1 year old, 2 years is only 1 year more, out of 14+ years. It's nothing.
There is no guarantee at all. Blaze was adopted out at only 14 months, and died within the year :( And I got Rocky at 15+ years, when the Vet said he only had 1 month left, and he made it for another 13 months. And I don't regret taking him at all.
Please don't let age put you off any dog you want to adopt... Other people will be thinking the same as you. Just this 1 year difference can make a dog less attractive to potential adopters. They all need and deserve loving homes the same.

[nanamouse]

My dog was 21 months when we adopted him and still has the energy of a puppy. Had we not taken him he would have died young as his previous owners let him go untreated with heartworms.

It's impossible to predict how much longer any animal has, or even ourselves. Life is uncertain, illness or accident can strike anything of any age at any time.

If you feel drawn to that particular animal then go for it, and lessen the odds of his premature death with preventative care, lots of exersize and attention, and a good diet.

[tiffers]

I just want to add that 'age is not a disease'. You may get a three year old dog who dies in less than 6 months. You may get a ten year old dog that lives 5 more years. I wouldn't base the decision on age. You may find this puppy that's cute, but has some real attitude or health problems, but then this 9 year old over here that is AWESOME...loyal, loving, and completely trained.

[marg]

I don't think a dog is EVER too old. I think they can be too young, but never too old:)

[GeorgieGirl]

All of my adoptees were around 1 or 2. They have tons of energy and love. I completely agree that age neve should matter, but how the dog and you respond to eachother. I will make a note here that after raising two puppies, I think I reather rescue a dog no younger then two!!! Well, ok I'd rescue a dog regardless of it's age:;

As far as names go, Grace kept heres, and Buddy was Dominik when we got him, but his origianl name was Buddy and he wanted to be called that. Fred named himself and the others we named. So if his name fits him, great if not, then change it, it'll be ok.

I think it's great that you are looking at older dogs. Best of luck picking our your new best friend!

[Julia423]

Congratulations on your decision to adopt a dog. I think it's wonderful that you are going to give a homeless dog a new family. Your concerns about age just show that you are taking this seriously and that's a really good thing. I agree with Tiffers, that there is no guarantee with any dog. But with good care, you can have many happy years with an "older" dog. As for the name change, I had no idea what the names of my "older" dogs were when I adopted them, but they sure learned their new names very quickly and are really happy guys. Sometimes when I am sitting with one or the other, I whisper into their ears and ask them what their secret names are. They haven't given that information up yet! ;)

[Unshifted]

Thank you all for your responses! You've helped me a ton.

I agree with you guys that there should be no age limit on adopting. I always browse the seniors online, and I really would love to adopt an older dog. It makes me really depressed when I see all of the older dogs that need a home. But we just lost my other dog and I spent over a year watching him slowly decline and I'm really feeling strongly about getting a younger dog right now. I feel guilty about it, but it's the truth.

You're right though, age doesn't guarantee a long life. But I'm trying to assure that I will have my next dog for a long time and I figure adopting a bit younger can buy me a little bit of time.

Anyway, I'll let you guys know how it pans out. Thanks again!

[DachshundDuo]

If you think about it, older dogs are usually more settled, not having the boundless energy of puppies. This is a wonderful blessing for someone looking for a companion pet. Most older dogs are already house trained or can be house trained easily. I would LOVE to adopt a senior dog. They are generally calm and loving. And although they may not have the years left that a younger dog does, a senior dog on it's worst day can give you more love and companionship than a puppy could on it's best. I can't adopt anymore dogs right now - my husband would have a fit, and the senior dog would probably get stressed because of the amount of energy that my dogs have - ages 7, 6, 5, 2&1/2 and 18 months. The 7 and 6 year old (Bubba and Daisy) are more sedate than other 4, but they are still quite busy and noisy. I envy you that you are going to adopt an older dog. What a wonderful gift you are giving to a "good used dog". :D

[katiem]

As I said before I think any age is fine, but if you have your heart set on a younger dog there is nothing wrong with that. You have to be happy with what you get- and the youngin's need homes too! Can't wait to see some pics of the dog you end up choosing! Good luck!

[tiffers]

You should adopt what you want. If you're set on a pup, get a pup. :) I just feel like the older dogs, once in shelters, hardly make it out because everyone wants puppies...but, with that being said...if you are not ready for an older dog...do not get one, because then no one is happy.

[str8deal]

I understand what you mean about becoming attached to an animal, but think of the poor animal that you would be giving a home to. I once took in a boxer that was 13yrs old, blind in one eye and could barely hear. It's owner had to move and couldn't take him along. He was headed for the shelter where I knew no one would want him and he would be put down. I took him in and he was a member of our family for almost 2 years. I think of him from time to time and I smile knowing that his last few years of life he enjoyed himself and he died one happy puppy!

[Wiztherewoz]

I understand what you mean about becoming attached to an animal, but think of the poor animal that you would be giving a home to. I once took in a boxer that was 13yrs old, blind in one eye and could barely hear. It's owner had to move and couldn't take him along. He was headed for the shelter where I knew no one would want him and he would be put down. I took him in and he was a member of our family for almost 2 years. I think of him from time to time and I smile knowing that his last few years of life he enjoyed himself and he died one happy puppy!

Awww. Wish more people had that attitude. Bless ya!

[Macawpower58]

Let your heart decide. If an older dog is the one that needs you most, he'll find you. If a young dog, or pup is in your future, it'll find your first.

Go and meet several dogs, all ages. You'll know when you meet 'your' dog.

[Catslave]

Age is not a consideration when you see the right animal you won't even think about that.

[Yogi]

In my case,10 of my 18 dogs I have rescued and the last thought was their age. The oldest I have taken in was 17 the youngest 18 months but at the time I honestly could have cared less. In the long run it comes down to them needing and me being in a position to give what it is they need, a secure loving home where they can live out their lives with no fear of being left behind again.
I have yet to be disappointed in my decision to take them in and the age issues has never come into play if your ultimate goal is to give a dog a loving home. Even if it is just for a year or two should not matter since in the long run you are doing this for the dog. As others have stated, many older dogs go unadopted because so many only want pups. Yet it is the older ones that usually can fit in better and require less in the long run.

[Unshifted]

Thank you all so much! I appreciate all of the responses.

I will definitely post pictures of him if we wind up taking him :) I'll let you know how it goes!