Bringing a new pet into the family is a significant decision, often filled with excitement and a touch of apprehension. For many, the allure of a playful puppy is undeniable. However, our experience with Bo, a senior dog we adopted, taught us that embracing the wisdom and gentle nature of an older companion can bring unparalleled joy and a unique kind of love. This is the story of how a chance encounter with a senior dog transformed our lives, proving that age is truly just a number when it comes to finding your perfect furry friend.
When my husband and I were considering adding a second dog to our family, our primary goal was to find a companion for our existing dog, Guinness, a high-energy lab mix. We stumbled upon Bo’s profile on Petfinder.com, and his description immediately captured our hearts. He was listed as a 3 to 4-year-old yellow lab/golden retriever mix, a “perfect gentleman and total mush” who knew basic commands, was housebroken, and walked well on a leash. The idea of bypassing the challenges of puppyhood was incredibly appealing, especially given our previous experience with Guinness. Bo was being fostered locally, and after a thorough conversation with his foster mom, we felt confident he was the dog for us.
The meeting between Bo and Guinness was arranged at my workplace to ensure a neutral territory. The dogs immediately hit it off, playing as if they had known each other for years. Bo, despite his somewhat awkward appearance – described by a friend as looking “like he was put together by committee” – was exceptionally well-behaved. His foster mom shared his sad backstory: he had a good home until recently, likely due to his owner moving to a nursing home or passing away. He ended up at a shelter, overlooked due to the abundance of puppies, and was sadly just 24 hours away from euthanasia before being rescued. This neglect was evident, but Bo’s gentle demeanor shone through. When he and Guinness curled up together for the car ride home, with Guinness resting her head on his back, we knew he had found his forever home.
Our first hint that “forever” might be a relative term came during Bo’s initial vet appointment. When we stated he was 3 or 4 years old, the veterinarian expressed surprise, noting his excellent teeth but suggesting he might need to lose weight. In hindsight, it’s possible she hesitated to convey that Bo was likely older than we were told, perhaps deeming us inexperienced dog owners. Regardless, Bo quickly became an integral part of our family. Guinness adored him, and he tolerated her boisterous greetings with grace. We cherished his companionship, enjoying off-leash walks where he’d explore the neighborhood, always returning when called. His devotion was clear; if either of us got up during the night, Bo would stir and follow, seeking reassurance.
Several months later, an ear infection brought us back to the vet. The new doctor, reviewing Bo’s charts, was again skeptical of his age, suggesting he might be 5 or 6. At this point, we began to notice changes. The Prednisone he was prescribed for the infection seemed to invigorate him, transforming his stiffness into a more fluid movement. This led us to explore potential underlying issues with another vet. Arthritis and hip dysplasia, conditions often seen in senior dogs, were suspected, especially as Bo’s estimated age crept up to 6 or 7. We also noticed a slight clouding in his eyes, indicating cataracts. Despite these challenges, Bo responded well to treatment, and his happiness remained our priority.
Our trip to Martha’s Vineyard was a testament to Bo’s gentlemanly nature. While Guinness impulsively chased a skunk, Bo wisely stayed out of harm’s way. We focused on giving Bo and Guinness plenty of exercise, enjoying beach romps and long walks. A particularly long walk left Bo sleeping soundly for two days, which initially worried us. More concerning, however, was Bo’s sudden loss of appetite, a stark contrast to his earlier willingness to eat anything, even a doggie burger from a store shelf.
Returning home, we sought further veterinary care. A new doctor at our practice estimated Bo’s age to be 9 or 10. After extensive tests, the grim diagnosis was most likely cancer. Devastated, we sought a specialist, an oncologist, who confirmed our fears. Given the aggressive nature of the leukemia and lymphoma, and Bo’s estimated age of 12 or 13, treatment was deemed futile. Worse, he was suffering. The oncologist gently guided us toward the most humane decision. We held Bo as he peacefully passed away, heartbroken by the brevity of his time with us. He had aged nine human years in the short year and a half he was with us, making every moment brighter.
My sister offered solace, reminding me that while his time was short, Bo experienced immense happiness and was given the greatest gift: a loving, safe home. A dear friend’s email also provided comfort, emphasizing the mutual adoration between us and Bo, and reminding me that we gave him a good life and were always there for him.
Reflecting on our experience, if we had known Bo was a senior dog from the start, would we still have adopted him? Our answer is a resounding yes! By not knowing, we unknowingly ventured into senior dog adoption and profoundly changed Bo’s life, just as he irrevocably changed ours. Adopting a senior dog is an incredibly rewarding experience. It will change your life!
References:
- Amy Lovett. (n.d.). Original article.
- “what age is a dog considered a senior”
- “anxiety in older dogs at night”
- “is 7 considered a senior dog”
- “what age is considered senior for dogs”
