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Rocky and Melvin are still available for adoption. I have attached their photos again so you can see their sweet faces.
Older dogs often take longer to get placed in new homes just because of their age – Keep in mind that even though
these boys are considered “Senior” – they are a young 11. Many Westies don’t even begin to slow down at this age!
Does adopting an older dog scare you? Why?
Here’s some things to think about ….
Won’t I be adopting someone else’s problems? If the dog was so wonderful, why is it up for adoption?
……Answer: Older dogs lose their homes for many different reasons….most of them having nothing to do with problems the dog has, but rather with those of the person or family surrendering the dog. Many folks think dogs who end up at shelters or in rescue are all genetically and behaviorally inferior. But, it is not uncommon for very expensive, well-bred, well-trained dogs to outlive their usefulness or novelty with folks who bought them on impulse and no longer want to take responsibility for them. Other reasons older dogs become homeless: death of a guardian….not enough time for the dog…… change in work schedule….. new baby…..need to move to a place where dogs are not allowed…. kids going off to college…. allergies…. change in “lifestyle”…. prospective spouse doesn’t like dogs
Isn’t it true that you can’t train an older dog the way you can train a puppy?
……Answer: Dogs can be trained at any age. The old adage, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” just isn’t true. Older dogs are great at focusing on you—and on the task at hand—because they’re calmer than youngsters. Plus, all those years of experience reading humans can help them quickly figure out how to do what you’re asking.
Don’t older dogs cost more in vet bills?
…… Answer: Veterinary attention and medication are needed at all ages and may or may not be more costly for an older dog.
Do older dogs have any “special needs”?
…… Answer: With a health assessment of the dog, you will know whether any age-related conditions are present and you can take appropriate measures to address them. Otherwise, older dogs need all the things younger dogs do — good nutrition, exercise (although less intensive, usually, than for a younger dog), and regular visits to the vet.
What advantages do older dogs have over puppies or young dogs?
……Answer:
Older dogs have learned what “no” means and how to leave the furniture, carpets, shoes, and other “chewables” alone.
They have been “socialized” and learned what it takes to be part of a “pack” and to get along with humans and, in most cases, other dogs, and in some other cases, cats, as well.
Older dogs, especially those who have once known it, appreciate love and attention and quickly learn what’s expected of them to gain and keep that love and attention.
Older dogs know how to let you finish the newspaper, sitting calmly next to you, while your workday stress flows away and your blood pressure lowers.
They are also instant companions, ready for hiking, riding in the car, walking on leash, fetching, etc.
Finally, older dogs are a “known commodity.” They are easy to assess for behavior and temperament, and you also don’t have to guess how big they’ll grow!
Those of you who adopted Westies that are no longer puppies often share with us how devoted and grateful they are. It’s an instant bond that cannot be topped!
Consider adopting an older dog….you will never regret it.
It’s just plain wrong that there are so many Westie seniors in need of re-homing these days. Here’s one more that needs your help:
Check out Rocky! He needs a new home!
Quick Facts on Rocky
11 years old, but young acting and healthy
UTD on shots
H/W negative
Neutered
Housebroken
Friendly and Active – like to play
Good with other dogs
Should go to a home withOUT small children
From Rocky’s FosterMom:
Rocky is very loving and wants to be with you at all times. He follows you from room to room. He is playful and doesn’t act his age. Vet believes he is younger due to his health condition being so good. Rocky gets along with other dogs if they are not aggressive towards him. Leg lifting has subsided with the wearing of a belly band; Remember – he has just been neutered after 11 years! Rocky needs some training as he knows no commands, however he does know the word “no”. He is crate-trained.
Rocky’s adoption fee is $200.
If you are interested in adopting this lovable little fella,
please contact John or Steph Wisecarver at 320-963-6085
Melvin is in need of a new family – are you in need of a new family member?
Quick Facts on Melvin
Up to date on vaccinations; heartworm negative
Recently neutered
Friendly, active and quite young-acting for 11 years old
Should be in a home withOUT small children
Don’t know if he likes cats or not…..
Adoption Fee is $200
Details From Mel’s foster dad….
Melvin is a handsome, healthy Westie boy who unfortunately grew up in a neglectful environment. He will need a home without children, and a dedicated Westie person who can provide lots of love, patience, and one-on-one, experienced training with gentle discipline. He wants to be with you and follows me everywhere. He is sweet and affectionate. He loves to play fetch and will put the ball or whatever in your hand to continue the game. He will also destroy the toy in short order if you allow him to chew on it.
Melvin is a handsome, healthy Westie boy who unfortunately grew up in a neglectful environment. He will need a home without children, and a dedicated Westie person who can provide lots of love, patience, and one-on-one, experienced training with gentle discipline. He wants to be with you and follows me everywhere. He is sweet and affectionate. He loves to play fetch and will put the ball or whatever in your hand to continue the game. He will also destroy the toy in short order if you allow him to chew on it.
He is crate trained to the extent that he can be left there without soiling it, but isn’t crazy about the concept and barks for awhile when you put him in there. He is doing well taking care of his business outside on a regular schedule
Melvin deserves a second chance to shine and and enjoy life.
I often pity people
who have never felt just cause
to share the bond between two souls;
one with hands and one with paws.
who have never felt just cause
to share the bond between two souls;
one with hands and one with paws.
| Mel.jpg 183K View Download |
Meet Trudy!
Allow me to introduce to you…..Ms. Trudy, a very ‘experienced’ Westie who sadly found herself homeless in the twilight of her life.
Trudy is 14 years young, has a cataract in one eye and a bad haircut (she’s shaved) but a true Westie person will understand that these are petty details – you are as young as you feel, you can still see even with a cataract and hair grows back!
This older, mature, reserved lady would love to spend her retirement years with a family that will love her in spite of her age. She’s a sweet gal that just needs some love and a little exercise (she’s a good eater!) She’s a bit overweight, but we don’t talk about that in front of her. She also likes to nap and sit in your lap. She’s not really interested in lots of activity at this point – after all, she IS retired!
She is housebroken, appears to be crate-trained, uses the stairs, gets along with other dogs and is generally a really nice girl. She is being treated for an ear infection, but that is minor.
If you are interested in providing a loving, stable retirement home for Trudy, please contact John and Steph Wisecarver at 320-963-6085.
Trudy
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