Mature Dog Adoptions, Registered Charity
"There is no one on earth more deserving of help than a good dog who has given its heart and soul to its family and then lost its home."

We rescue, foster, and courtesy post dogs across Ontario
4+ years (younger if special needs)
Donations help with veterinary costs
We are all volunteer, non-profit, tax receipts
We can only rescue and vet dogs with your donations
Please click on Canada Helps button

Remember the 3 STRIKES against adoption: Large, black, and older dogs are least likely to be adopted!

Studies show that people walk FASTER while walking a dog, than alone or with a friend, INCREASING health benefits!

SPAYING helps to prevent Mammary TUMORS
NEUTERING helps to prevent urinary and prostrate infections and CANCER
Prostrate gland can enlarge in UNneutered males, pressing on Bladder

SCROLL DOWN TO CLICK ON OUR PET LIST
Please help a BONDED PAIR to stay TOGETHER
Scroll down to our PAIR LIST

Many shelter/rescue dog adoptions include a period of FREE PET INSURANCE
HELP WITH VET COSTS for limited income seniors & disabled:
1-888-262-9811 www.farleyfoundation.org

XYLITOL new natural sweetener - TOXIC to Dogs
Read ingredient labels: Gum, chewable vitamins, throat lozenges, candy, etc.

Mature dogs adjust quickly,
but we are happy to assist with the transition to your home if needed

**RAIN STORM ANXIETY** Dr. Marty Becker, Veterinarian:
Dogs feel static electricity build-up, they try to ground themselves in low ground, basement, bathtub.
Rub coat with UNscented dryer sheet to stop static! Use on fur where dog cannot lick (on back).

For PULLERS on leash, a doggy BACKPACK with light weights in it distracts the dog from its focus on pulling. A harness with straps that tighten behind shoulders when dog pulls works well

WARNING: DANGERS of giving your dog away on your own (even for a fee) Scroll down to "Rehoming your dog"

Older dogs in shelters:
Their owners have gone to nursing home or have died
Moving, job loss, divorce, family illness
One quarter of shelter dogs are PUREBREDS

DOGS PASSED OVER AT SHELTERS INCLUDE:
Dogs over 4 years
Black, large, thin, overweight dogs
Quiet, lying down, 'depressed' dogs
Stressed barking dogs
Shy, stressed, frightened dogs at back of cage

NEW VET AGE CHART: Dogs are living longer too! A bit of grey means a LOT of EXPERIENCE:
Dog years:...........1.. . 2.. 3... ..4......7.....10....12...15
Human years:....15....24...28...32...44.....56.....64...76

WARNING TOXIC TO DOGS
PLANT BULB KITS, XYLITOL sweetener (candy, gum, candy, chewable vitamins, throat lozenges, etc.)beer hops, alcohol, caffeined drinks
raisins/grapes, avocado, rhubarb, garlic, onions, mushrooms, potato skins, green potatoes, bread dough, walnuts, macadamia nuts, chocolate/cocoa

CAUTION LARGE BREEDS:
Do NOT feed within at least a half an hour before or after exercise.
This can lead to TORSION, "twisted gut", often fatal.
Large breed dogs should NOT be encouraged to "sit pretty"
or jump and stress their joints upon landing.

ANXIETY REMEDIES for dogs: Please scroll down
MEDICAL CONDITIONS: In addition to conventional veterinary treatments, consider holistic vets, and herbs
Contact us for our successful experiences with these

DISCLAIMER *By proceeding into the Mature Dog Adoptions website you are accepting the DISCLAIMER agreement below*
*Click HERE for PET LIST. Updated DAILY*
Use DIRECT contact for each dog
Scroll down for our FEATURED PET

PAIR LIST: Help a BONDED PAIR STAY TOGETHER
They will keep each other company when you are not home.

Amber & Izzie (Yellow Labrador Collie mixes)
Sandy & Veronica (Labrador Retriever mixes)
Babe & Buddy (Miniature Poodles)
Leroy & Cleo (Yellow Labrador Retriever, Basset Hound)
Monty & Marvin (Chocolate Lab, German Shepherd)
Gracie & Sokki (chihuahuas)
Chico & Phoebe (Standard Poodle, Cocker Spaniel)
Precious & Taffy (corgi mix, beagle-shepherd mix)

DISCLAIMER: WE LIST OUR OWN FOSTERS AND OTHER DOGS ACROSS ONTARIO. It is our intent to list only dogs of good temperament, but we have not evaluated the other dogs. We state information given by their owners, shelters, or rescuer-foster parent. We are merely the liaison and give no guarantees, warranties, or undertakings. It is the adopter's responsibility to confirm information and suitability of the dog for their home. Mature Dog Adoptions and all individuals associated shall not be liable directly or indirectly to the user or any third party for any loss or damage resulting from the information (including errors or omissions) in this website. Stating this disclaimer is the only way we can continue this service. The providers of information about dogs displayed here hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless Mature Dog Adoptions and all individuals associated with respect to any loss or damage that may arise as a result of posting their information. END of disclaimer.

MATURE DOGS BOND IMMEDIATELY, SETTLE IN MORE EASILY, AND LEARN QUICKLY.
Strays are often OVERAGED by years due to the stress. Shelter dogs will look and act younger once in your home.
Please consider the dogs barking in their cages. They are often QUIET OUTSIDE OF CAGE and just want human attention.

POUNDS (Animal Control): The Pound Act only requires holding LOST DOGS for 72 HOURS before they can be destroyed or sold for research. Humane Societies and SPCA's do NOT operate under this law.

HOUNDS make wonderful pets: See Emily below.


This is Emily the hound, getting a check-up from the child in her new home! "A house is not a home without a hound"! Her adopters say that everything they heard about HOUNDS (includes BEAGLES) being GREAT housepets is true. Emily is sweet, gentle, and great with the cat and children. This breed is known for its gentle, affectionate, friendly personality.

HELPFUL INFORMATION

ANXIETY: "Separation" grieving, storms, car: *Some dogs do much better if there is another pet in the home. *It will also help a dog's anxiety to teach him some commands to build his confidence. *Pheromones are mother's hormones dogs/cats can smell and find calming. Some products contain Pheromones plus Valerian and St. Johns Wort herbals. These products are in some pet supply stores as collars (about $18) and plug-ins like air fresheners (about $25). YOUR VET also has pharmaceutical help for these conditions, often needed temporarily. **RAIN STORM ANXIETY** Dr. Marty Becker, Veterinarian: Dogs feel static electricity build-up, they try to ground themselves in low ground, basement, bathtub. Rub coat with UNscented dryer sheet to stop static! Use on fur where dog cannot lick (on back).

MATURE OUTDOOR DOGS CAN BE HOUSETRAINED IN A DAY OR TWO! They already know to 'go' outdoors.
They have the control and the understanding.
Dogs naturally do not want to mess their home. Praise when dog 'goes' outside.
Keep in small area indoors if dog does not 'go'.
Then take out again in about 15 minutes. Repeat. Maintain a routine.
Give more freedom in house after dog 'goes'. Contact us for more suggestions.

TO INTRODUCE YOUR NEW DOG: Outside, on neutral territory, on leash, to avoid a threatening feeling for either dog. IF it goes well, proceed indoors.
First put away all dog possessions: bones, toys, rawhides, etc. for a month.
Feed dogs with space between them while you are present, because food can be an issue.

URINARY weak muscle tone ("leaking") can be improved with use of INexpensive Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with "mother" in it. From health food stores and some organic sections of grocery stores. I have noticed complete improvement with a daily capful after about 3 weeks!

CARSICKNESS: An INexpensive anti-static strip attached to my vehicle has ended 8 years of this problem for my lab when nothing else helped.

IMPROVE DENTAL HEALTH: CoEnzymeQ10 (from health food store) helps gums! It is important to keep teeth clean of tartar. Odour may mean infection, which spreads through blood to organs. Heart murmurs may lessen and actually disappear once teeth are cleaned by vet! See your vet for recommendations. Cleaning by vet may be needed.

FEED YOUR DOG THE BEST ALL NATURAL FOOD YOU CAN. It will mean you can feed less to get good nutrition and less "fillers" means less clean up for you! It also means a healthier, longer life (Example: less diabetes). Cheap pet foods may contain products of rendering factories (animals with tumors, euthanasia chemicals, etc.).

ALLERGIES: *Wipe down your dog (NOT for cats) daily with a cloth dipped in a mixture of 10 drops of tea tree oil (health food stores) and a cup of warm water. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and keeps down allergens. Have someone else brush out your dog outside. Allow dog to lie on only a few select spots, covered with sheet or blanket which you wash daily. Use the best HEPA, etc. filters in furnace and vacuum. *A 10 yr. US study has found that children exposed to animals are less likely to be allergic to grass, dust, mold, dogs, and cats (even if their parents are allergic). The reseachers conclude that this exposure helps to lower their susceptibility to allergens.

DANGER OF OVER-VACCINATION: There is evidence that annual shots can cause health problems (primarily blood/heart/lung & digestive disorders) in mature and senior dogs, as their immune systems are distracted to make antibodies to the injected germs. Senior dogs cannot even make antibodies efficiently. If vaccinated regularly as young dogs, they are being found to have enough protection already built up. Nutritional immune system boosters and high quality food are recommended. Please research this to make your own informed decision.


HEARTWORM: This is Angel, my former foster beagle who was to be euthanized at shelter because she had heartworm. She was CURED easily for about $200 and adopted, but it is best to use monthly pills as prevention. For collies and hounds (beagles) AVOID those with IVERMECTIN. Say NO to PROHEART 6 INJECTION: The FDA in the U.S. is investigating the potentially fatal effects of this drug.

ARTHRITIC DOGS: Dogs are stoic with their pain. Signs of arthritis may be SUBTLE, such as lying down carefully in a special position, whining when getting up or down, trouble on steps or can no longer get on furniture, etc.
FOAM BEDS hold warmth and will help soothe joints of older dogs. KEEP WEIGHT DOWN and give MODERATE EXERCISE Don't overdo exercise, keep it moderate (multiple shorter walks rather than long ones). EFA (essential fatty acids) in FISH OILS: canned sardines, mackeral, salmon or salmon oil gelcaps (INexpensive) help joints, skin, fur, eyes, etc. GLUCOSOMINE HYDROCHLORIDE, the form dogs better absorb and MSM, a natural anti-inflammatory. Veterinarians carry a liquid product with these which also includes Vitamin C for joint maintenance and repair (UbaVet, etc.).

In Memorium

Tawny, the gentle lady, always crossed her paws
I remember when she arrived
So scared, even of a falling leaf...
Patience and time led her to trust again
To finally flourish in the love of the Blairs
Her sweetness will always be in our hearts

REHOMING YOUR DOG

DANGERS: GIVING AWAY YOUR DOG ON YOUR OWN... NEVER GIVE YOUR DOG AWAY ON FIRST MEETING!
There are "con-artists" who will pose as animal lovers, but really collect cats, dogs and other animals for abusive situations (brokers who sell to research, auctions, to train fighting dogs, sell as warehouse dogs, etc.) They sometimes bring children to portray a "perfect family" image and they can even fool an intelligent person. Others may be neglectful and put your dog's life in danger. How do you screen out these people? It is important to check all references, including a veterinarian reference, and do a home check BEFORE releasing an animal into a stranger's care. Follow-up checks are also necessary (see below for more). NEVER GIVE YOUR DOG AWAY ON FIRST MEETING!
TO PLACE YOUR OWN DOG SAFELY AND AVOID REGRETS: *Ask adopter's history/commitment to pets *Ask where exactly will dog be kept days and nights *Ask how dog will be corrected *Renters: Will they keep the dog when they move? *Observe adopter's interaction with your dog and how your dog reacts. *ALL members of household must meet dog and agree. *Get veterinary reference and check it. *DO HOME VISIT. *Do follow-up calls and visit. *WRITE AND BOTH SIGN that dog is RETURNED TO YOU if either side is not happy with placement (if you hear negative behaviours not characteristic of your dog). *Turn down adopter if not right: YOU are your dog's only advocate.
ASK AN EXPERIENCED REPUTABLE RESCUER TO HELP YOU!

The Beginning

"A Diamond in the Rough" Meet my first foster dog, who came into a shelter stray, thin, poor coat, aged at "12 years". She really was HALF that age! When stressed, dogs are often aged older than they are. This lovely lady enjoyed another EIGHT YEARS of life! We have included this gorgeous husky in hopes you also will recognize POTENTIAL.

"I Know How to be Part of Your Family"
"I am 5 or 6 or older, I may even have fur turning white,
You may start to pass me, but please stop and see,
The EXPERIENCE AND LOVE in my eyes.
I already understand humans,
I know how to be part of your "pack".
I'm already trained and I'll fit right in,
Won't you give me a second chance?
I learn fast and I know what humans like,
I still have many years to please you.
I'm gentle and quieter, but I still like to play,
Please give me a second chance. "
by Bobbie (May be reproduced by shelters, rescues.)

About Mature Dog Adoptions

1997: Bobbie, a special education teacher/professor/administrator, learned that dogs over 4 years were being overlooked for the younger, shinier, more work-intensive models! When we called to help a 10 yr. "Lassie" type collie and learned she had been destroyed because she was "too old", we committed to this service.
We foster healthy dogs with GOOD TEMPERAMENTS in small numbers and make REFERRALS to other mature dogs. The information listed is provided by those caring for these dogs; we have not personally evaluated these dogs and take no responsibility for their physical condition or behaviour.
We are happy to provide you with support during the transition time of any adoption.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: "Scouts" to email us dogs to list : 5 YEARS AND OLDER, ESPECIALLY SENIORS, AND ANY AGE ADULT SPECIAL NEEDS. We also need Foster homes and Fundraisers.

The Sheltercare Insurance offer is valid only if the SHELTER of a dog listed is a member of Petfinder.

Mature Dog Adoptions
Ontario
Phone: 613-548-8858 (10am-8pm only, 7 days/week)
Email: maturedogs@sympatico.ca
Click on Pet List on top of home page to see photos and information.

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