The amount of time that a dog spends in a shelter before getting adopted varies according to the dog’s age. In many cases, a younger dog tends to get adopted more quickly than an older dog. So, when Rachel, a nine-year-old Labrador-hound mix, entered the shelter at the age of two, shelter staff thought it was only a matter of time before she was adopted. Unfortunately, it took far longer than they thought.

Rachel enters the shelter at age two

Picked up as a stray, Rachel ended up at Pets and People Humane Society in Yukon, Oklahoma. Upon arriving at the shelter, it was discovered that she was very hyper and had trouble getting along with the other animals at the shelter.

Maybe this was why people who came into the shelter did not want to adopt Rachel. It is hard enough taking an animal into a home, but this is far harder when they have behavioral issues. Eventually, over the years, Rachel began to calm down until she was able to handle being around other animals.

Rachel has trouble getting adopted

At this point, she was a little older, which in itself caused another problem. When many people go to the shelter they are seeking a younger dog to bring into the family home. Puppies are viewed as cute and are more desirable than an older dog. For whatever reason, Rachel fell by the wayside, and, before staff knew it, Rachel had been at the shelter for seven years. Luckily, for Rachel, Laura came along.

Susie’s Senior Dogs

Susie’s Senior Dogs is an organization that works with animal shelters to help dogs get adopted. The group posts photos of the dog up for adoption and gives a short description in the hopes of drawing attention to the animal. That was how Laura first heard about Rachel. When she saw her on the group’s Facebook page, she knew she just had to adopt her.

Rachel is adopted by Laura

Soon after seeing Rachel, Laura visited the shelter. Laura took Rachel home with her and now the two do everything together, including taking walks, going on car rides, and hanging out at the office where Laura works. Laura’s comment about Rachel was posted on the Susie’s Senior Dogs Facebook page:

“Rachel is just wonderful. I love her so much. We had a great first week. She took to my little convertible without hesitation – she likes the wind on her face. She went to work with me each day and loves the others in the office – as they adore her too.

She sits next to my desk and sleeps most of the time. We go on many walks every day. The neighbors are all crazy about her. She sleeps on a pretty little bed next to me. Never makes a peep, never barks, never runs – she is as perfect a dog as I have ever had. I am blessed to have found her.”

Why you should adopt a senior pet

Even though they might be a little slower, senior dogs still make great pets. They are usually trained and most do not have the high energy of a younger dog. This makes them especially suitable for someone who might not have the time or energy to keep up with a younger dog. Here is a video with more on why you should adopt a senior dog.

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Source: The Dodo

H/T: Paw my Gosh