The Adoption Center - The Senior Dogs Project

How to Find a Senior Dog to Adopt

Here’s a really fast, easy way to locate senior dogs in your area: Go to The Shelter Pet Project site: https://theshelterpetproject.org/ You’ll have the opportunity to select “dog” and to type in your Zipcode, which will take you to a page asking for further “filters” — e.g., “age” (for which you can select “senior”), size, gender, etc.

If you need to do further research, try these resources:
- Seniors-Only Rescue Groups and Sanctuaries — These organizations will have dogs as young as seven years and sometimes into their teens. In addition to adoption, there will be opportunities for foster care and “hospice” care.
- Shelters, Other Rescue Groups — These organizations will have dogs of all ages, but have also made a commitment to do all they can to adopt out the seniors who come their way. They will usually start their “senior” category at seven years.
- Breed Rescue Groups –These organizations are focused on rescue of a specific breed and will have dogs of all ages, including seniors.
- Petfinder App — This app enables you to search by geographical area, type of pet, and many other categories, including “senior dog.”
- Interactive Map — Dots on this map pinpoint the locations of senior dogs rescues in the United States, and include a brief description and the opportunity to get driving directions via Google.

Inhumane in New York City

Taking a ride in a horse carriage is advertised as being fun — but it’s really not any fun for the horses who are part of this “amusement.” “Ryder,” the horse in the photo, collapsed on the street, most likely from heat exhaustion and overwork. He laid there for an hour. His ribs are showing, too, which may indicate lack of nutrition or an illness. It’s time to put this “amusement” to rest. Alternative jobs are being offered to carriage drivers, and retirement to a sanctuary for the horses. If you agree, write here.

The Dangers of Heat

Adjust your own and your dog’s activity level when the weather is warm. For all dogs, but especially for seniors, a hot day means shorter, slower walks and more resting in the shade or in an air-conditioned room. Provide lots of access to fresh cold water — in several locations that are easily accessible. And, of course, NEVER leave any child or any dog unattended in a locked car — even when it doesn’t seem that warm outside. According to Consumer Reports, “Parents and others must remain vigilant about the ongoing danger of children and pets dying in hot cars. With many families working from home and practicing social distancing, new tactics will need to be implemented to prevent these tragedies. And as we anticipate that public health measures will remain in place through the summer, it’s important to remember that hot car deaths can be a four-season threat in some parts of the country.”

PLEASE SIGN! Petition to protect dogs from drug side effects….

Buoy’s Law is coming before the New York State Assembly for consideration. Inspired by the tragic death of three-year-old Golden Retriever “Buoy” the law will make it mandatory that veterinarians always provide information on a drug’s side effects when writing prescriptions. Buoy’s devastated guardians write, “Buoy was prescribed with a pain killer (Rimadyl) after his surgery, and we were not provided with any warning whatsoever that this medication was well-known to cause serious adverse side effects in dogs, including kidney damage and death.” To show your support for this law, please sign the petition.