"What do you do when your dog grows old?
When their legs tire and their paws harden?
When words fade away in their ears that no longer hear well, and when images blur in their eyes clouded by age?
When their muzzle turns white, and their fur loses its shine?
You love them.
You rub the paws that have faithfully walked beside you for years.
You speak to them and praise them louder so that everyone around can hear the words they can no longer catch.
You guide them as they once guided you, protecting them from getting lost, just as you felt lost before they came into your life.
You kiss their white muzzle and thank them for all the wisdom they’ve shared with you.
And when their time comes to sleep forever, knowing that a piece of your heart will follow them, they leave knowing they were deeply loved.
And they loved you even more."  Jackie Short-Nguyen

Unfortunately, reality often paints a very different picture.

A significant number of animals under the care of SPAZ and other organisations are senior dogs abandoned on the streets, left to fend for themselves—often with health problems. Sadly, we’ve witnessed many such cases: animals literally thrown onto the streets, animals who previously lived in homes and knew nothing about the harshness of stray life. This isn’t speculation; it’s backed by evidence. In many instances, we’ve identified their owners, who admitted—directly or indirectly—to abandoning their pets (legal actions have, of course, been taken). In other cases, the abandonment is clear, as people leave behind a blanket or toy along with the dog.

Senior dogs face unique challenges, and their chances of adoption are slim, especially in Greece, where most people want a dog “from a puppy so it can learn and grow with them”—a notion that is, in reality, a myth.

Here are 10 reasons why adopting a senior dog is a wonderful idea:

  1. What You See Is What You Get: The character, energy levels, and size of a senior dog are stable and won’t change as they might with a puppy.
  2. They Love Resting as Much as Walking: Senior dogs enjoy their outdoor time but cherish naps and cuddles even more, often preferring to relax by your side.
  3. They Respect Your Belongings: They know shoes are for walking, clothes are for wearing, cables are for connecting devices, and toys and bones are for chewing.
  4. House-Trained and Polished: They understand that outdoors is for their business, and indoors is for rest and relaxation.
  5. Still Trainable: Contrary to popular belief, senior dogs can learn new tricks and adapt to training.
  6. Smooth Adjustments: They often adapt to new homes calmly and quickly, finding a cosy spot to call their own with minimal fuss.
  7. Perfect Companions for Seniors: Senior dogs live in the moment and encourage you to do the same, making them ideal partners for older adopters.
  8. Low Maintenance: They’re easy to please and won’t demand all your time and energy, giving you space for yourself.
  9. Unwavering Loyalty: Adopting a senior dog means gaining a devoted friend who will shower you with gratitude and affection.
  10. Saving a Life: Puppies are in high demand and often find homes quickly. Senior dogs, however, are often overlooked. By adopting one, you’re truly saving a life and proving that miracles do happen!