Bond with Rescue Dogs: Dogs which have been uprooted from their homes or have not had the best start in life are more likely to bond very completely and deeply with their new people. Those who have lost their families through death, divorce or lifestyle change go through a terrible mourning process, through no fault of their own. But, once attached to a new loving family, they seem to want to please as much as possible to make sure they are never homeless again. Those dogs that are just learning about the good life and good people seem to bond even deeper. They know what life on the streets, life on the end of a chain, or worse is all about, and they revel and blossom in a nurturing, loving environment. Most rescues make exceptionally affectionate and attentive pets and extremely loyal companions.
Matchmaker Make Me a Match: Unfortunately sometimes puppy love turns out to be little more than an attachment to a look or a colour. It is not much of a basis on which to make a decision that should last ten to fifteen years. While that puppy may have been the cutest of the litter; he may grow up to be hyper (when what you wanted was a couch potato); she may be a couch princess (when what you wanted was a tireless hiking companion and exercise partner); he may want to spend every waking moment in the water (while you're a landlubber); or she may want to be an only child (while you are intending to have kids or more animals). Pet mismatches are one of the top reasons rescues get give-up phone calls. Good rescue homes do extensive evaluating of both their dogs and their applicants to be sure that both doggy and family will be happy with each other.
What You See Is What You Get: How big will that puppy be? What kind of temperament will he have? Will he be easily trained? Will his personality be what you were hoping for? How active will he be? When adopting a mature dog from a rescue, all of those questions are easily answered. You can pick large or small; active or couch potato; goofy or brilliant; sweet or sassy. The rescue and its foster homes can guide you to pick the right match. (Rescue homes are full of puppies who became the wrong match as they got older!)
GAIN A LIFELONG FRIEND AND SAVE A LIFE - ADOPT A PET!
Intact Everything: With a "chewy" puppy, you can count on at losing most of your socks to the garbage bin before he cuts every tooth. Also, you can expect holes in your carpet (along with some stains), pages missing from books, stuffing exposed from couches, and at least one dead or missing Foxtel controller. No matter how well you watch them, it will happen - this is a puppy's job! Older Dogs can usually have the run of the house without destroying it.
Easier Vet Trips: Those puppies need their series of puppy shots, then a trip to be altered, maybe an emergency trip or two if they've chewed something dangerous. Those puppy visits can add up (on top of what you paid for the dog). Your donation to the rescue home when adopting an older pup should get you a dog with all shots current, already altered, and heartworm negative.
Instant Companion: With an older dog, you automatically have a buddy that can go everywhere and do everything with you. You will have been able to select the most compatible dog: one that travels well; one that loves to play with your friends' dogs; one with excellent house manners that you can take to your parents' new home with the new carpet and the new couch. You can come home after a long day's work and spend your time on a relaxing walk, ride or swim (or an ice cream) with your new best friend......
