Common concerns ~ Success Stories

The Joy of Adopting a Senior Dane (6+ years old)

If you're looking for a dane who will love you, be your shadow, and be your true and faithful companion, look no further than a dane over the age of 6 years of age. Think an older dane isn't for you? Here are some great reasons to adopt a senior:

no housetraining worries - Most older danes are housetrained or just need a quick reminder course. Low energy - Older danes are typically happy to curl up next to you on the couch for a good snuggle-fest. They usually enjoy a short walk and a long nap! Devoted companions - Older danes know when they've got a good thing going for them. They are well aware that you are their sole provider and they are happy to adore you with no strings attached.They bond quickly to their new owners and provide so very much love and affection.

Not destructive - Most older danes have gotten past that destructive puppy chewing/destroying stage. When home alone, many sleep the day away, calmly waiting for your return. Open books - With an older dog, you know what you're going to get. Their personalities are already formed and any foibles are known.

Common concerns

Some common concerns people have about adopting an older dane:

• adopting someone else's problems - Older danes have a history, there's no doubt about it. They come with baggage, they come with expectations. Many older danes are in rescue because their owners got sick or died or because lifestyles changed. Wouldn't it be great if you could give that older dane new and better expectations? If you could help them to realize that they're loved and cherished just as much or more than they were before?
• danes already have a short lifespan - Yes, they do. Can yo imagine what it must be like for an older dane, confused and alone? A dane's golden years should be filled with love and affection, shared with a true companion. Won't you consider helping a lost and homeless senior into your life and your heart? They don't deserve any less than a wonderful life because they are older.
• an older dane won't bond as well - Actually, older danes bond quickly and closely with their new families. They seem to be grateful and return the favor with an outpouring of love and affection. We've found that older danes often bond more quickly with their new families, especially with their primary care giver. They know a good thing when they see it!
• Puppies are so cute and full of joy - Yes, they are. They are full of joy, energy, and looking for things to do. They need supervisions and exercise--lots of both! Seniors, on the other hand, require little supervision and only a bit of daily exercise. Ah, the relax after a hard day at work. To snuggle on the couch and read a nice book. Or, you can play with your new puppy for several hours and then constantly be vigilant in case your new pup should find the fringes on the throw rug fascinating or want to chew your new sandals.
• you can't train an older dane - You can, actually. Your older dane will be eager to please and may know a few tricks of his or her own. You can build on that repertoire by adding new tricks to the mix, using positive training and quick fun sessions. Or you can take your older dane to a class to socialize and have some fun. Older danes are ready to learn--they're just waiting for you to teach them!
• Vet bills will be higher - This is certainly a possibility. But it could be just as true of a younger dane. Young danes suffer expensive and debilitating problems too-- HOD, OCD, Wobbler's, and more. Danes are just an expensive breed to own and maintain. When you adopt your senior dane, he or she will be up to date on vaccinations, spayed or neutered, and will most likely have had a wellness check. Your older dane might continue to be spry and healthy for years to come--remember that danes have been known to live to 12 yrs of age.

Success Stories

Below are some stories from adopters who have adopted MAGDRL danes who are 6 years or older. You'll see that they receive so much joy and love from their new companion. Click on the pictures to see the full stories. Enjoy!

	Kuna, adopted 6 yrs of age by Lissa in MD. She was a treasure and a blessing. She was also a wonderful ambassador for dane rescue, and loved everyone she met unconditionally.
	Sera, adopted 8.5 yrs of age by Sheila in PA. With only a few short months to live (Sera was diagnosed with cancer right before adoption), she's a silly girl who has her own way of doing things. She brings joy and laughter to her adopter.
	Samantha, adopted 8 yrs of age by Fran and Ken in PA. She was playful and sweet and glad to be home. When she was happy, she hopped like a Lipizzaner horse.
	Harley, adopted 7 yrs of age by the Kapcsos family of PA. He had lots of love to give--to his family and to everyone he met. Harley loved his stuffie too!
	Beau, adopted 8 yrs of age by the Keenan family of NJ. He's a handsome and dapper gent who still knows how to have some fun.
	Dolly, adopted 8 yrs of age by Regina and Bob of PA. She's a wacky dane who found her forever home with a family who enjoys her quirks and loves her lots!
	Pop Pop George, adopted 9 yrs of age by Kelley in DE. He came in a lost soul and soon blossomed into a tail wagging dane who was happy and content.
	Smokey, adopted age 7 by Kim and family in NJ. He shared his love with his family and made volunteers and adopters alike smile with his antics and his tolerance. How could we forget decorating with danes?
	Roxanne, adopted 11 yrs by Lee and family in VA. This special senior loves to ham it up for the cameras and her fans. She spunky and feisty and recently celebrated her 12th birthday!
	Reese, adopted 7 yrs of age by the Jones family (Kate and Brian). Nicknamed Sweet pea, Reese is a daddy's girl who has finally found a life of luxury and love, and returns that love and affection ten-fold.