Animal Welfare Groups around the country salute our senior dogs during the month of November with National Senior Pet Month, but actually it is always time to celebrate our older dogs. One of my very favorite books is Gene Weingarten’s Old Dogs Are the Best Dogs, a collection of profiles and awesome photos revealing the unique appeal of man’s best friend in his last and best years. The book is a tribute to every dog who has made it to that time in life when the eyesight and hearing begin to go, when the step becomes uncertain, but when a dog attains a special sort of dignity and charm all his own. If you have ever been blessed by the company of an old dog, you will recognize him in this book. It would make the perfect gift…for yourself or someone else.

Another book that offers a loving tribute to our senior best friends is Beautiful Old Dogs, edited by David Tabatsky with photographs by Garry Gross, who writes, “ I think we need to have a change of mind, a change of heart, so that we can look at faces that are old, and actually see the beauty of them, not just dogs, but also humans. The dogs in this book are beautiful …they have love and compassion and are willing to give it to anybody who takes care of them…They’re faithful and they’re dedicated. It is my great hope that all of you will see the beauty in these senior dogs as deeply as I do. The older the better…dogs with soul in their eyes.” This book also includes a section listing resources for those who would like to get involved with senior dogs. Every dog lover needs a copy of this book…and it would make a great gift!

I sometimes feel like our TLC Canine Center is a Senior Citizen Center….we have quite a few older residents…there through no fault of their own…a death or an illness or sometimes just because they are old. These dogs have stories to tell…often sad stories, and all shelters and rescue groups have older dogs that are often passed by just because of their age. Most potential adopters are looking for a cute, cuddly puppy, and fail to see the wonderfulness of the older ones.

An Old Dog’s Lament

I’m sorry I’m not cute anymore. I’m sorry I got all big and old and you got tired of me.

I’m sorry you don’t have time to play with me, and think I’m more trouble than I’m worth.

It must be my fault that things turned out this way. Please forgive me.

Please tell me how to be cute again. Please don’t throw me away.

I am more tired than I used to be and I sleep a bit more.

I don’t see or hear as well, but what did I do wrong?

My human family I have been with for so many years is gone.

Here at the shelter, potential adopters pass right by me, pausing to let out a sigh,

“Too old… too worn…we want a puppy who will run and play, not one who limps.”

It must be my fault that things turned out this way. Please forgive me.

What did I do wrong?

—author unknown.

Gandhi said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way that its animals are treated. I believe, we can tell even more by the way the older animals are treated. In today’s throw-away society, it seems that little thought is given to preservation or conservation , and little patience is applied to making possessions or relationships last. If it’s old or broken, obsolete or unattractive, just put it on the trash heap. Old dogs are truly the best dogs, and we urge you to get involved in helping these precious animals, maybe neighborhood dogs would enjoy some extra attention, or volunteer at your local shelter to visit older dogs, play with them, and get to know them. You will soon find yourself in love  Old dogs are devoted, grateful, and very faithful. You may even decide to take one home with you. We promise you will never regret loving an older dog.