Senior Dog Program
"The average dog has one request to all humankind. Love me."
-Helen Exley- Editor and Publisher
The average age for a Senior German Shorthaired Pointer or Pointer is 12 to 14. Sadly, many younger than this, just after their prime, around 7-9, are left at shelters for various reasons. Perhaps they could not handle the field anymore or have been replaced by a younger dog. Whatever the case may be, older dogs by far, have a lot to offer.
It is an interesting fact that many we requests we get to help involve dogs just around a year old. They are too energetic, the family cannot keep up with them, they chew, they are destructive, they are raising havoc in the home. The main misconception is that some believe older dogs will not bond with families and so they set off to find a puppy to raise in the search of "the bond".
There are many benefits of adopting an older dog:
-they are already trained
-they are calmer and less likely to rip around the house seeking attention and playmates
-manners are usually in place
-they have less demand for time and do not require frequent daily exercise
Some may argue an older dog is not a good choice because of nearing health issues. While seniors can have a greater risk for health problems, all dogs can have health problems arise at any age. Regular vet checks, a good diet, and ample activity help to alleviate many problems.
Older dogs want simple companionship and ask for little in return. They are some of the most grateful creatures on earth. They do not belong in shelters as abandoned family members.
GPPR is there for many misplaced Pointers, and Senior's are not an exception. Our Senior Dog Program involves a discounted adoption donation for adopters, one annual veterinarian examination covered by GPPR, and if a senior citizen adopts a senior dog, there is no charge. This program applies to the dogs in GPPR care that are over the age of 8 years of age as diagnosed by a veterinarian.
Please consider adopting, or donating to the Senior Dog in our program. They are waiting for you.
I'm waiting here in foster care for you to come and see
The one the others have passed by - Please stop and look at me!
I'm not alone here in my quest to find myself a place
Where someone will have love for me and softly stroke my face.
We're not so young in years they say, although we're young at heart
If you'll take a chance with us - please know we'll do our part.
Our faces have a bit of white, our legs a slower gait
Our hearts so full of love to give - but still we sit and wait.
A younger dog is what folks want, one who romps and plays
They won't take time to look at us - just think we're old and gray.
Little do they know the things we have to offer them
Manners learned and quiet souls - good dogs all we've been.
There are those here too whose souls were damaged and in pain
Before they came to this safe place and learned to trust again.
When new folks come and look at them, they seem withdrawn and shy.
Time is all they need to learn that new bonds they can tie.
Patience, love and gentle hands is all they ask of you
In exchange - their hearts they give you in their lives so new.
We may not be the perfect dogs in everybody's eye -
Too big, too small, too brown, too blue, too black, too old, too shy.
But, unless you sit and take the time and see all that we can be
You'll miss the best that is right here - Please stop - HEY - Look at ME!
