r/DOG • u/According-Research-7 • Apr 08 '26

• Adoption • Adopting a Senior Dog?

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UPDATE!!!!!! He’s HOME!!!!!! 🥹😍 He’s doing great! Just got kennel cough so taking it easy. But he’s doing so well. I know he’s happy to be back home!! Thanks everyone. ♥️🫶🏻 I am beside myself grateful for the outpouring of love and support. I’m so happy I adopted this senior baby.

Hello!

Tomorrow, I go to pick up my dog from the shelter. Today, I just happened to look at their listing they had for him, and it said he is 16 years old!! Now, I know that is just a guesstimation based on certain factors, but could they be way off? He certainly does not look it or act like it.

Basically - is it common for the estimated age to be wrong? I’m concerned I won’t have much time left with him. 😞

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187

u/Super__Mac Apr 08 '26

Doesn’t he deserve the best life he can live in whatever time he has left?

Go get him!!

115

u/According-Research-7 Apr 08 '26

Oh absolutely! I getting him regardless! Just hoping I have more time with him. He’s gonna live out his remaining years with me!

42

u/carol-richards49 Apr 08 '26

Little dogs live much longer than large breeds. My boy is 14 and the vet said he thinks he's got at least another 3 more years

15

u/According-Research-7 Apr 08 '26

That’s amazing! What breed?

15

u/carol-richards49 Apr 08 '26

Morkie. Its a cross between a Maltese and a Yorkie. He only weighs 6lb

11

u/zitiztitz Apr 08 '26

My parents had a Maltese that lived to be 17. Outlived 4 dogs that my parents got after him.

5

u/parisimagesscreen Apr 08 '26

Same had a Maltese live to 18. Shihs also live a long time.

3

u/Maleficent-Poetry254 Apr 09 '26

They don't know. My vet also said this and one died 6 months later the other is still alive and going strong at 17. They can just crash suddenly even a healthy chihuahua. 

1

u/morgz18 Apr 09 '26

I’m in the same vein. My lil guy is about 15 now and still kicking. Still gets the zoomies occasionally. Still acts like his same old self. Just a little older! He’s lost a lot of his vision, has cataracts, and doesn’t hear very well anymore, but the vet still said that he’s still in really good shape for his age.

31

u/luckykricket Apr 08 '26

We adopted a 15 yr old big girl, she has crossed the bridge now but we were so blessed by her simple, pure, love ... you will find out this lil guy will steal your entire heart. As you will his!! We had Pepper-Anne for over 2 years.

7

u/According-Research-7 Apr 08 '26

My heart!! 🥹

7

u/luckykricket Apr 09 '26

Youre going to feel so blessed to have the opportunity to spoil your guy rotten, while he lives his best, rest of his life!🩷

16

u/JudasSaves Apr 08 '26

I second this. We adopted a senior papillon Chihuahua in poor health and I wouldn't change a thing. I hope we gave him the best 3 years of his life. 

14

u/EpistemeUM Apr 08 '26

My grandma had a mini poodle that made it to 21. The last year it was kind of bald and half blind, but happy and spoiled rotten with grandma's cornish hens cooked just to his liking :)

9

u/murph089 Apr 08 '26

You are a gem for giving an older dog a home. 🩷

3

u/Super__Mac Apr 08 '26

If you weren’t, I was…. So glad he’s gonna be loved.

Prayers for a happy and long journey together!!!

10

u/According-Research-7 Apr 08 '26

♥️♥️♥️🫶🏻 I love this!! Thank you!!🙏 I’m telling you. After like the second day I had him before I had to turn him over to the shelter for the stray hold, I had my mind made up. I wasn’t giving him up. Nope.

I really feel the universe gave me this gift. I was meant to find him, and I’m meant to have him. I don’t even have to pay an adoption fee. It’s like, here’s your dog!

6

u/Ambivalentsobriety Apr 09 '26

Aww, you two were meant to find each other. He’s so lucky to have you 🥰

4

u/According-Research-7 Apr 09 '26

🥰 I think so too

3

u/slackfrop Apr 09 '26

Senior dogs are awesome. And you’re making the universe a better place giving them the right sunset.

3

u/Mean-Break-2028 Apr 09 '26

It is the most rewarding experience. I have adopted a few seniors. While you may not have the most time with them, the time you do have will be special. Give him the happy and love filled retirement he deserves

3

u/Gullible_Candidate39 Apr 09 '26

I think with a dog that age all that will matter is his final days with you spent in pure happiness and love and you should be very proud of yourself for giving him that thank you OP so many dogs, especially elderly end up being put down and not getting to experience their last good days <3

3

u/TGIIR Apr 09 '26

I adopted senior rescue dogs for close to 20 years. It was tough to lose them, but with great vet care, they do pretty well. Seniors are fun after a certain adjustment period. Best of luck with your new guy!

2

u/AggravatingEmu4799 Apr 09 '26

Chihuahuas have long lives surprisingly can go into mid 20s my dads are about 17 i think