10 Sweet Senior Dogs Who Need a Home (Photos)

In animal shelters, senior dogs are often passed up for adoption in favor of younger, sprightlier dogs. However, if you’ve ever spent time around an amiable senior dog, then you know that this is not only a shame for the older dogs, but a major loss for any humans who can’t see past the elder canines’ age!

Senior dogs can be wise, mellow, and deeply loving, especially once their new human companion earns their trust. Even if they’ve had difficult lives of abandonment and abuse, they can still love—reservedly, but wholeheartedly. Could you take a chance on an old dog?

Here are ten sweet senior dogs who are looking for homes, from shelters all over the U.S.

(Don’t forget: if you’re looking for a new animal companion, you can use Care2′s Adoptable Pets page to find your perfect match!)

1. Huck

Senior male (Labrador Retriever/Shepherd Mix). Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary, Lake Odessa, MI.

Huck was rescued from New Orleans right after Hurricane Katrina; unfortunately, the shelter was never able to locate his original family, so he now needs a second chance at a forever home.

The shelter adds, “He has a fairly laidback energy level, yet has his excitable spurts & can be quite the social guy with people he knows. Huck loves being at his people’s side, getting all the attention & petting he can get.”

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Margaret B.

1:50PM PST on Jan 12, 2013

as well as other cats and dogs that have lived with me over the years, I have adopted a 9yo German Sheppard, a 12yo ginger tabby cat, and an 11yo foxy- chihaua cross. They have all been wonderful companions

January 12
send a green star

Mara C.

4:50PM PST on Nov 25, 2012

Senior pets rock!

November 25
send a green star

Joanna M.

10:52AM PST on Nov 19, 2012

My neighbor just adopted a 9-year-old mixed breed this summer - she's the most loving dog in the world! True, she's older, so she's a bit slower, has noticeable arthritis, etc. But there are no doubt a good few years still left for her, and who's to say she deserves less love than a puppy?

November 19
send a green star

katarzyna p.

6:59AM PST on Nov 12, 2012

i hope they get forever homes. it's such a shame that so many will end their days alone in a shelter. nobody should give up on them, even when saying goodbye is the hardest thing to do

November 12
send a green star

Suzanne L.

10:17PM PDT on Oct 20, 2012

I wish more people would give a senior dog or cat a chance. While younger animals can be great fun, senior animals are often more laid back, socialized, house and litter trained and they express gratitude for a second chance. We have adopted senior cats and never regretted a minute.

October 20
send a green star

Franco D.

8:20PM PDT on Oct 15, 2012

As soon as my Sammie passes I am getting a Senior Dog. I want to wait as Sammie is 12 and I don't want him to get the sense that he is being replaced even by another older dog.

October 15
send a green star

Susan A.

7:53PM PDT on Oct 15, 2012

If I wasn't an old, small fixed income senior, I would love to adopt a dog; but I can't afford to do so. So I'm glad that this site is trying to help these dogs find a home...thanks!

Malgorzata Z.

1:15PM PDT on Oct 15, 2012

Te psy są piękne i zasługują na swój dom, szkoda, że mieszkam tak daleko. Przyjęcie starszego psa też ma swoje plusy. Są spokojniejsze i nie rozrabiają jak szczeniaki, no i bardzo przywiązują się do właściciela, który im okaże dużo serca.

Heidi H.

10:30AM PDT on Oct 15, 2012

As hard as it is to see them fade and die, the honor of loving a senior pet is so great. They deserve the best in their senior years.

Wim Z.

12:39PM PDT on Oct 12, 2012

thx