While adopting a senior dog is an invaluable experience for families and individuals of any age, the match between an older dog and an older adult carries some unique benefits:
- Older adults are often physically more suited to a calmer, less rambunctious dog, rather than the high energy young or adolescent
DVGRR dogs. - Older adults, especially those who have lost some or all of their former support systems, can find their lives greatly enhanced by the faithful companionship of a dog.
- The responsibility of caring for a dog – daily walking, exercising, feeding, and training – can fill the need in an older adult’s life to have a purpose and to feel needed, emotions that are sometimes greatly reduced or lacking after retirement.
- Senior dogs with either beginning or advanced degrees of joint problems can potentially benefit from shorter, more frequent opportunities for walks during the day, rather than being limited to a long walk before or after the working day.
- Senior dogs often prefer the quieter, calmer atmosphere found in a retired person’s home. They enjoy the opportunity for napping and relaxing without the commotion and constant activity level of younger and/or larger households!
Given that many older adults are living on fixed incomes and must be more careful about budgetary concerns, DVGRR’s Senior 4 Seniors program incorporates several financial incentives for older adults to consider adopting an older dog. These, combined with the emotional advantages of sharing one’s life with an easy-going, relaxed, calm Golden , Doodle, or Lab, serve to create a win-win situation for the humans and dogs alike.
Who’s Eligible?
To participate in this program, at least one member of the adopting family (who will be residing with the dog) must be age 65 or older. Applicants must also meet the regular eligibility criteria for all DVGRR adoption applicants and go through the regular approval process, including a home visit.
(Seniors 4 Seniors eligibility and/or benefits are subject to change.)
What’s Included in the program?
| PROGRAM BENEFITS | ADDITIONAL INFO / EXCLUSIONS |
| All initial veterinary care provided — Prior to adoption, the senior DVGRR dog will receive all necessary veterinary care, including senior blood panel and full dentistry, if needed. | Dogs with grade 2 or greater tartar qualify for the dentistry benefit. |
| Reduced adoption fee — The regular senior dog adoption fee of $590 is reduced to $460 (as of 11/1/2015). | The senior dog adoption fee is reduced by $130.00. |
| Annual wellness exam provided at reduced cost through DVGRR — On an annual basis, the adopter will have the option to bring the adopted Golden back to DVGRR’s BARK hospital (Buddy’s Animal Rescue Klinic) for an annual wellness exam conducted by DVGRR’s veterinarian. As part of the annual visit, DVGRR can also provide a senior blood panel, inoculations, fecal test, SNAP 4 test, lump aspiration if needed, and any veterinary care treatable at the BARK hospital. The exam and any of the other options selected will be made available to the adopter at DVGRR’s cost. | Should the adopted senior dog require additional veterinary care or emergency medical attention at any time other than the annual wellness visit, the adopter will be responsible for cost and care. DVGRR consultation prior to additional medical care is not necessary. |