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Better With Age
Most people seeking to adopt from our rescue want a young Cavalier—often, the younger, the better. But for many, an older dog is a better choice.
About Senior Dogs
If you are considering adopting a senior dog, you likely not only want a wonderful companion, but also want to transform the life of a pup in need.
Older dogs are too often overlooked by potential adopters at shelters and rescues. However, those who adopt seniors find them to be wonderful companions — more mellow, better mannered, and quicker to adjust to their new homes than younger pooches. So full of love... they are just grateful to be with you...
Whether you have been considering adopting an older pup for a long time or were just recently inspired by the story of one in need, your new, grey-muzzled best friend may be a hop, skip, and a few hugs away. Most shelters and rescue organizations list dogs over seven years of age as "senior."
Seniors are special…
Although the time you will have with an adopted senior dog may be shorter, your life will be forever enriched and you will have the honor and joy of being part of their final adventures. We’re not crying, you're crying....
Senior Advantage
A big advantage to adopting an experienced dog—say, age 5 or 6 and up—is you are far more likely to be first in line for that dog. CRF tells applicants who want a young dog that they may wait months. But applicants who are open to a seasoned Cavalier often can get matched right away—and for a considerably lower adoption fee. LOTS of love and joy with senior cavaliers.
Rescue groups are constantly taking in middle-aged or senior dog because a Cavalier’s typical lifespan of 12-15 years– a long time. A lot can change…people switch jobs, lose jobs, encounter financial difficulties, get deployed, get married or divorced, move, have kids, get sick, and sadly, even pass away.
In today’s world, people have a much better chance of providing stability and love to a dog for five years than for 15.
On those rare occasions when CRF gets rescue pups under a year old, we are deluged with applications. But, many are not prepared for the amount of work a puppy is.
Benefits of A Senior Dog
Puppies are like human babies requiring a lot of time, attention and energy.
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They are not housebroken and will likely have many accidents before learning to control themselves.
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They cry when they are not getting enough attention.
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They need to be constantly entertained.
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They rarely do what you want them to do.
A mature Cavalier is:
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Almost always completely housebroken.
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Infinitely trainable. It’s not true that you can’t teach an older dog new tricks--older Cavaliers are calm and want to please you, and thus easier to train.
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Comparatively calm and easygoing.
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Playful but just fine with a lower activity level.
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Polite and well-mannered in your home.
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Far less inclined to chew or destroy your possessions.
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Predictable in a good way.
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More interested in love and companionship than activity.
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Eager to please and focused on you.
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Beautiful and dignified.
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Endearing and easy to love.
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Exactly what you need—and vice versa!
Old dogs can be a regal sight. Their exuberance settles over the years into a seasoned nobility, their routines become as locked into yours as the quietest and kindest of marriages.” – Gail Caldwell
Meet Gator
"Senior dogs are the sweetest, most loving and undemanding beings. An 11 year old rescue Cavalier called to me from Facebook, he was sitting under the Christmas tree at his foster home eagerly awaiting his forever family for Christmas. Gator, a beautiful ruby, was turned in by his owner who was re-locating to a senior living facility where Gator, sadly, was not welcome. Seniors are often in this kind of situation, both owner and dog and it isn’t easy for either of them. He didn’t want to give Gator up, but he may have no choice. No judgement.
We already had three fur babies and Gator was older, but we chose to make his wish come true. Sweet Gator was a wonderful boy. Yes, he was slow at times, and he had his share of medical needs. But those big brown eyes were so grateful for every pat, every meal and every short walk around the block. He was such a sweet addition to our family, including the younger dogs in our home. My wish would be to adopt a houseful of Senior dogs. It was the most fulfilling and joyous time, albeit not a long time.
His friends are waiting for you to take them home. You will need to be just the right family, but if you are, please apply, ‘your’ Gator will be waiting. Xo"
