Confusion:

 I used to volunteer for a German Shepherd rescue for several years, investigating, processing and approving, or not, applicants who desired to adopt a German Shepherd Dog (GSD}. By adopting Rex may confuse some who have known me for many years. It was my goal to only approve applicants that would provide a home for one of our rescues that would provide the dog an environment where it could succeed and prosper.

We would get applicants who were my age now - senior in their 80's - who would want to adopt a  young GSD without providing for that dogs future when they would pass away. They did not consider the dog or its future care, they just wanted a GSD.  They would get angry when I would not approve them to adopt. In fact I had a friend that did just that and left the GSD to his son when he died. The dog was neglected and had injuries and allowed to run free where there were numerous predators. It was not a good situation for the GSD.

We are elderly and we adopt senior dogs. Most do not want a senior dog as their life span is only a few years, as is the case with Rex; he is 8 years old but that could easily be 8 years 11 months old. Average age of a GSD is 10 years old. Most don't want to go through the heart ache of losing a dog so the older dogs languish in a kennel until they die. I don't blame people as losing a dog is one of the most painful experiences people have in life. 

Older dogs like Rex who are turned in at a shelter to be euthanized is one of the lowest forms of human life in my opinion.  We will pamper Rex just like our other dogs so he will experience real love and affection. With him being an outside dog I doubt he had much affection but he will have to adjust to being inside and an integral part of our family. It will be new to him and he will be spoiled in no time at all. 

He will learn commands which he does not now possess, and  we will need great patience but if he learns fast and we endure he will be a good member of our family.  It will be exciting to see his personality come out in the next few months. His initial treatment will be costly since he is heartworm positive but it will be worth it. Rex deserves a good rest of his life. 

My hope is that those who read this blog will change their attitudes if necessary toward senior dogs.