You May be Wondering …?

You may have read my tribute for our darling Jasper and wondered why people adopt older dogs? Why put yourself through taking on a dog who may only have a few years of life left when you can go and buy a puppy? What is there to gain from having a dog in your life for a relatively short time? Some say that they are not brave enough to adopt an older dog. I can assure you I am not brave! I am a big wuss who has sobbed her heart out this week and will for some time to come, but I have cried for every beautiful dog I have loved and lost. Whether they came to me as a young pup, a young adult, or an older dog.

Every dog is special. Every dog is missed. We have absolutely no regrets about adopting Jasper, only a wish that he could have stayed with us, happy and healthy, for longer.

I want to tell you of the benefits of adopting an older dog. I want to encourage others to consider adopting an older dog. You can read lots of wonderful rehoming stories at Oldies Club, see many of the older dogs who have found their second chance in life. I could ramble on about why we have adopted older dogs for hours on end, but they say a picture is worth a thousand words, so let me show you why.

Jasper, the day after he arrived home with us, sad and confused after losing his owner, doggie friend and home and spending a night at the vets, awaiting being put to sleep …

Jasper, Oldies Club, Oldie, Pet Photography UK, Pet Photographer, Dog Photography

Jasper, grasping his second chance at life with all paws and bringing such love and joy into our lives …

Jasper, Oldies Club, Oldie, Pet Photography UK, Pet Photographer, Dog Photography
Jasper, Oldies Club, Oldie, Pet Photography UK, Pet Photographer, Dog Photography

Jasper, Oldies Club, Oldie, Pet Photography UK, Pet Photographer, Dog Photography

Jasper, Oldies Club, Oldie, Pet Photography UK, Pet Photographer, Dog Photography

Jasper, Oldies Club, Oldie, Pet Photography UK, Pet Photographer, Dog Photography

Jasper, Oldies Club, Pet Photography UK, Dog Photographer, Pet Photographer

Jasper, Oldies Club, Oldie, Pet Photography UK, Pet Photographer, Dog Photography

That’s why.

Thank you so much to everyone who has taken the time to send their kind thoughts, either here or elsewhere, for our darling boy. I am really touched by the number of messages we have received. I have heard from people I didn’t realise even knew Jasper existed and it is a comfort to know he reached – and will be remembered by – so many.

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sproggie - September 17, 2011 - 9:59 pm

Tearing up again! What a lovely metamorphosis he undertook from that worried looking chap to a dog who looked like he might just take off through sheer joy!

I can only second what you’ve said, Ange. We’ve adopted two oldies, not through Oldies Club though I’m sure we will at some point. Both arrived scared, confused and withdrawn and both blossomed into confident, cheeky..well I can only say “Old Bats” because they were such batty old dears who took any opportunity to misbehave and be outrageous. Meggie Moo was with us for 18 months, Fraggle for just 9 but I wouldn’t change a thing. They packed as much into those months as any puppy could into years and seeing them make the most of their second chance was an incredible privilege. There will definitely always be a place in my home (and heart) for an oldie.

Amanda - September 17, 2011 - 11:24 pm

I cant help myself when it comes to the oldies, the last 3 additions to our house have all been between 9-15yrs, they just win me everytime, our lads now sit at 9yrs/16yrs/18yrs and I never think of them as old……they receive the perks of their senior years and I always try to focus on today rather than tomorrow,
I can see why Jasper won your heart, he was one very special and lucky lad

Amanda x

marleyterrier - September 19, 2011 - 11:43 am

Ello for you my pal. I did send you peemail fru the contacs page an I leev a messij here for tellin you I sent it just in case…

Leslie - September 21, 2011 - 8:11 pm

You made me cry again. He really does look so worried and confused in that first picture. To see his transformation under your care is just wonderful. You did a wonderful thing taking him in.

poochiefreak - September 23, 2011 - 9:17 pm

Sarah, Amanda and Leslie, thanks so much for your thoughts :-)

Angela
x

Kay - September 27, 2011 - 12:52 am

Dear Angela, this is the first time I’ve read your blog after following a link from the Oldies facebook page. I just wanted to say thank you for sharing this story and for describing, ever so perfectly with the help of Jasper, the benefits of adopting an Oldie. I just about managed to read your tribute post before the tears blinded me. How wonderful that you have those beautiful photo memories of your lovely happy boy. And yes it does almost seem that you can reach in for one last hug. It’s been over 10 years since I had to say goodbye to my lovely Kim yet I still get comfort from closing my eyes and putting out my hand to offer an ear stroke. It still hurts to this day but the pain of losing a dog could never, not in a million years, be stronger than the joy of having them in your life. I’m sat in bed now with 1 border collie at my side and my other collie at the foot of the bed. I feel blessed. I believe you and Jasper were truly blessed to have found each other x

poochiefreak - October 17, 2011 - 5:07 pm

Thank you so much Kay. Sorry to hear about Kim, I still think of my very first dogs.

Angela

scruffy dog photography - October 27, 2011 - 1:49 pm

… shared on the scruffy dog facebook page.

bless you for what you did for Jasper. your words and experience brought it all home for me, reminding me of my old man Morley, adopted at 9 yrs of age, sad and confused. i was fortunate to have almost 7 years with him … and i feel confident in saying that they were the best years of his life.

Holly - October 28, 2011 - 1:29 am

Hi, Came here after seeing the post on Scruffy dog facebook page. So glad that Jasper was allowed a few more years of love and companionship. Every dog deserves a second chance. I’m a true believer in rescues and admire anyone that takes in a dog from a shelter. Many a person has said to me, but you don’t know what problems those dogs will have! I reply, that you don’t know what problems any dogs will have. Sure, a puppy doesn’t usually come with “baggage” but they aren’t always perfect either, and who wants perfect?
I tell people that there are a lot of good used dogs out there, and they should give one a chance!
Thank you for giving Jasper a chance, I can see you were amply rewarded!

Susan Fischer - March 4, 2012 - 4:10 pm

So sorry for your loss. What a lovely tribute!

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