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Maggie joined our home on January 24, 2004. We had lost our beloved Taylor a few months earlier and poor Tucker wasn't adjusting to being the "only child". We were not ready for a puppy so we contacted Foothills Golden Retriever Rescue and asked if there were any seniors needing homes. Most people want to adopt puppies, leaving these wonderful older dogs without homes in their old age. We think Maggie was turned over to her local shelter because her puppy producing days were over. Estimated at around 9 yrs of age, she had obviously just whelped. Luckily the shelter call FHGRR who got her spayed, vet checked and into a safe foster home. At first we were told that she was already promised to a home but when the family met her, they turned her down. Too old, too gray in the face and not pretty enough they said. We drove to South Carolina, sight unseen, wondering about this old girl. What we found was a very lovely golden with beautiful conformation and a face that melts my heart. She didn't have any coat because of the pups, but once it grew in it was long and flowing. This was a gorgeous golden and the people that turned her down didn't know what they had missed! Maggie continues to share our home as the matronly old lady. She is a very sweet old gal.
If you are considering adopting a dog, please consider and senior. These old dogs still have a lot of life left in them. They are already potty trained, past their chewing days and want nothing more than a family to love them. I often hear "but they won't bond like a puppy!" NOT TRUE! Within one week of moving into our home, Maggie knew she was ALL MINE. She will walk right over my husband to get to me. You would never know that we hadn't had this dog from a puppy. Another thing I often hear is that "I couldn't adopt a senior because they will die just as I am getting attached". FACT OF LIFE: None of us know how long we will be on this earth. I know many dogs of all breeds and mixes that never made it past their 1st, 2nd or 3rd birthday. As of this writing, I have had Maggie for over 4 years. I wouldn't have missed a minute of those four years! Adopting a senior dog is an experience that shouldn't be missed! |
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