Community Corner

Casey Seeks a Home

Palatine's Young at Heart Pet Rescue takes care of older pets.

What’s the ideal age to adopt a dog?

Perception: Years ago, I knew the best age had to be a puppy, since they are so cute, and you can train them just the way you want.

Reality: Puppies pee, poop, chew everything in sight, need to be watched 24/7 and take over your life.

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Perception: When we rescued our first dog 15 years ago, I knew the best age had to be two or under. After all, I wanted to spend as many years as possible with my dog.

Reality: Two- year-old dogs, which happens to be one of the most common ages found in shelter dogs, can still need astonishing amounts of training, and they have energy that rivals any puppy. They do take over your life, since they are bigger and can get you into even more crazy situations.

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Yet I still searched out young dogs under the age of 4, since I certainly didn’t want to adopt a dog and lose that dog to old age, right? And who wants a geriatric dog who can’t walk much, lays around doing nothing and racks up vet bills like crazy?

So…when we offered to adopt a 9-year-old Golden Retriever who was surrendered by her life-long owners because they were getting divorced and didn’t have time for her, I knew we would only have a year or so with an “old” dog. Surprise!

This Golden has taught me that older dogs are the most wonderful, grateful, gracious, loving pets you can own. She is now 13 years old and healthier than two of my younger dogs! She loves to go to the dog park, play with toys, eat bones and be petted by every single person she meets.

She is beautiful, smart, fun and one  of the best dogs we’ve ever owned. She also jumps up into the back of our SUV with no help. Old dog? Maybe in dog years, but she is incredibly young at heart. And, yes, she has taken over our lives just like the other dogs, but in the best way!

Speaking of Young at Heart Pet Rescue in Palatine, it is  a wonderful rescue group that focuses on dogs and cats at least 5 years old. They foster out their pets and work very hard finding the perfect homes for these great animals, who have done nothing wrong except get old.

An Observation: Older pets are perfect for older people. They are obedient and quiet, looking more for a loving lap to lie on or warm rug to sleep on. Pets have been shown to keep older people healthier and happier. It is truly a win-win situation! You’ll say, “Who is saving whom?”

Look at all the sweet dogs and cats on their website.

Here’s an example:

Hi there! I’m Casey, and I’m a very cool and handsome basset/shepherd mix. I’m 8 years old, and if you like big dogs, but don’t want to deal with tails constantly knocking stuff down, my short legs and big dog body are your answer.

I’m a very good boy who loves to play ball, snuggle up with you, and make you laugh. I’m housebroken and good in the car. I’ve just finished three weeks of professional training, and boy am I a smart guy. I can sit, heel, down, stay, and listen off-leash with the best of them.

You’ll get a lesson or two from my trainer to learn just how much I know, and so we can effectively communicate with each other. I love hanging out with other dogs, and really enjoy the dog park and visits with my dog buddies at friends houses.

I am an active guy, and would do best with an active home- someone to take me for walks, car rides, to the dog park, and play lots of ball with me will make me happiest. I’m the kind of guy who loves to be busy. So come on, contact the rescue so you can meet me.


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