As our contributor Vaughan Willmore discovers, adopting an older dog from a rescue centre such as Animal Rescue Algarve provides the opportunity to transform three lives – including your own.
When George, our beloved and somewhat bonkers cocker spaniel, was nearing his final days, our vet said, “I don’t believe dogs worry about how long they live, but I know they care deeply about how well they live.” It’s something that’s always resonated with me – the importance of creating memories and making the most of the time we have with our fur babies and each other. I thought of George (something I often do) when travelling to meet Sid Richardson and João Ferreira, the inspirational driving force behind the Loulé-based Animal Rescue Algarve (ARA).
When people think of adopting a dog, they typically focus on puppies full of bouncing energy, laughter, and the promise of years of companionship. While puppies can be wonderful and are the easiest dogs for a shelter to rehome, older dogs offer a different kind of magic – one rooted in gratitude, gentleness and love.
Unfortunately, in many shelters, it’s the older dogs that stay the longest, often for many months and even years, sitting patiently and sometimes forlornly as their potential new parents avert their gaze to the younger, prettier, more sprightly dogs. As I discovered, however, for those who take a chance with an older dog, the rewards can be immeasurable and life- changing both for the dog that’s being adopted, the ‘hoomans’ doing the adoption, and the dog that has been patiently waiting for a place to become available in a safe and loving shelter.
People often worry that older dogs have been given up for a reason and that they might be problematic, but this is often far from the truth. They are often surrendered due to no fault of their own – perhaps their owner passed away, or moved in with family, or could no longer care for the dog. Their presence in a shelter doesn’t mean they’re broken; it means they’re waiting for someone to see their worth.
One of the many benefits of adopting an older dog is that they’ve grown into themselves. There’s far less guesswork involved than with a puppy whose temperament is still evolving. Older dogs are often already house-trained and familiar with basic commands. Many have lived in homes previously and understand the rhythms of domestic life – no chewed shoes, no midnight howling and far fewer ‘accidents’. They simply need someone to love them again.
Those who have adopted senior dogs often speak of the profound bond they form. Anabela Reis adopted 16-year-old India. She told me, “Taking care of India taught me that love isn’t about living in a perfect world. It’s about patience, respect and sharing quiet moments together. I miss her every day, but I now understand better than ever that it’s not about how long you have together, but about the memories you create when you are together. Besides, I didn’t want the easiest dog, I wanted the one that needed love the most.”
It’s true that older dogs sometimes need more medical attention than younger ones. Like us ‘hoomans’, they can develop arthritis, vision issues and other age-related conditions, but this isn’t always the case and many are in excellent health. Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, domestic pets are living longer, healthier lives than ever before.
Liz Ariff shared her journey with me. “I welcomed Sean into my home when he was 13 and quite poorly, and Sesamo when he was 17 and very poorly. I had an incredible 18 months with Sean and four months with Sesamo. With them by my side, we embarked on a journey that brought out the best in me as both a mother and a person. They taught me to find my inner strength, resilience and patience, and how to give my all without expecting anything in return. Sean and Sesame showed me how to find my inner strength, including the ability to let them go when they were ready to leave. I am a better person because of their love.”
If you’re thinking of adopting a dog (or cat), then perhaps the next time you’re scrolling through rescue profiles on Facebook or walking through a rescue shelter, you might pause for a moment at the sight of the grey muzzle snuggled in the corner. That dog might not leap to the front of the kennel, but given the chance of going home with you, their heart will almost certainly leap with joy and appreciation.
ARA is a legally constituted charity association that cares for and seeks to rehome stray and abandoned dogs and cats. It was founded in 2017 by Sid Richardson, a resident English businessman who funded the total capital costs of its creation and the majority of the running costs since its creation. ARA provides a loving (temporary) home for up to 100 dogs and 50 cats and is often referred to as the best animal rescue centre in Europe.
Donations to ARA are always welcome and greatly appreciated:
IBAN: PT50.0033.0000.5526891995.05
+351 289 462 384
Main photo: Lata, from Belgium, adopted Mickey
