(upbeat music)
[onscreen text] Adopting Senior Dogs.
[onscreen action] Dogs sitting behind fence. 
(calming music)


[Narrator] Look at that face!
How can you resist?
Surprisingly, there's a lot of older dogs like Oscar
who are in need of a new family to love them.
Most older dogs are given up for adoption
because of behavior problems
or because they aren't great companions.


[onscreen action]
 Person leading dog into fenced area.
Dogs sitting behind fences.


[Narrator] More often than not,
it's due to extenuating life circumstances,
such as the passing or severe illness of their guardian,
a change in work schedule, divorce,
or moving to a location that doesn't allow dogs.
Older dogs are often overlooked by adopters.
It can be tough to compete
with the cute puppies and younger dogs.
(upbeat music)


[onscreen action] Woman walking dog outside. 


[Narrator]What most people don't realize
is the older dogs are often the favorites
of shelter staff and volunteers.


[onscreen action] Woman petting dog in shelter.  


[Narrator] Not because they feel sorry for them,
but because they can be the most loving,
enjoyable, and well-behaved companions
you could ever wish for.


[onscreen action]
Child petting dog. 
Man petting dog outside. 


[Narrator]There are so many benefits to adopting an older dog.
Here are just a few.
With an older dog, what you see is what you get.
You won't have to guess how big he'll be
or what his personality will be like once he's matured.
Older dogs can be the perfect companion
for just about anyone.
They usually don't require the time, stamina, or patience
needed to train the boundless energy
of an adolescent dog or puppy.


[onscreen action] Woman walking across lawn with dog. 


[Narrator] Plus, most older dogs are already house-trained
and are often better walking on leash.
In fact, a lot of them even know tricks.


[onscreen action] Dog rolling over in grass. 
Speaking of tricks, you really can teach
an old dog new tricks!
Older dogs typically have longer attention spans too,
so they'll be more focused when you train together.


[onscreen action] 
Woman giving dog a treat. 
Dog walking down stairs.  


[Narrator] Now, while every dog is different,
many older dogs will settle into their new homes quickly,
because they know how to share a home with people
and understand what is and isn't acceptable in the home.
And as far as any questions about bonding with an older dog,
have no worries!
They'll absorb all of the love and affection you can give them.
Older dogs will love you just as much as any dog can.


[onscreen action] People playing with dogs in a home. 


[Narrator] Ask almost anyone who has adopted an older dog,
and you'll hear the same thing.
They are the lucky ones.