Shelters across the United States continue to euthanize dogs at alarming rates and the older dog is often the one killed because they are considered harder to place after 3 to 4 yrs of age. Why? Because possible adopters feel that the time remaining to each of these older dogs is too limited. Direct quote from a Shelter Website: "when the shelter becomes overcrowded, management uses age as one of the reasons to put these older dogs down".

One of the most common statements made when someone is asked to consider the older dog for adoption is that 'they don't live long enough'. Well, trite as it may sound "NONE" of them live long enough. Doesn't matter if you acquire a dog as a 9 or 10 year old or as a ball of fluff at 8-9 weeks they will leave your side long before you are prepared for it. Besides, what actually is being prepared for it? If you discover the answer for that one please let all other dog owners know what it is.

Instead of looking at the quantity of time that you might have, reassess everything you've ever thought about owning a dog and consider what's better? Quantity or Quality? With a little thought and preparation you can experience, with the senior Malinois, a quality of pet ownership that can far outweigh the quantity.

Are you a first time Malinois owner? I can't imagine a better way to become acquainted with the Malinois than to experience the joys of what the Malinois is meant to become, bypassing all the frustrations and pitfalls associated with raising a puppy. When the time comes you can be ready to experience your first Malinois puppy thru the experience gained with the senior mature Malinois.

The senior Malinois enters our rescue program for many reasons, generally human qualified reasons, not canine associated reasons. Having lost their lifetime companion they will often show signs of depression not unlike what a human would experience at the loss of a husband or wife of many years. The benefits the senior Malinois offers in the way of love and companionship is quickly seen, even in the early stages of ownership. The senior Malinois has already enjoyed many years of having been bonded to someone which makes transferring that bond relatively easy when they are provided with love and a sense of security by the adopting family.

Adopting the senior Malinois is not risk free. There are no quarantees as to lifespan and since only a relatively few come into the system in a manner that allows the rescue organization to know their heritage no amount of guessing will insure that you will have many, many years of unbiased love. What can be guaranteed is that the senior Malinois will give you all the love it is capable of giving in the years that remain, and will immediately be agreeable to participating in whatever activities your family does.

Read Ty a Senior Malinois's Story

THE SENIOR MALINOIS:

1. The senior Malinois truly appreciates the second chance you can give it and will return love in abundance.
   
   
2. The senior Malinois is normally already housetrained.
   
   
3. The senior Malinois has progressed beyond the teething stage, thus your belongings are safe from the hazards of puppyhood.
   
   
4. The senior Malinois has attained a degree of serenity not seen in younger dogs and is usually ready, willing and able to participate fully in family activities.
   
   
5. The senior Malinois has a lower distraction index thus allowing them to learn more quickly than puppies.
   
   
6. The senior Malinois has learned that "no" means "no".
   
   
7. The senior Malinois is experienced in the ways of pack hierarchy and given the chance will settle in more quickly than the puppy that must be monitored for all the activities puppies shouldn't, but do, participate in.
   
   
8. The senior Malinois has matured so what you see is what you get. No puppy uglies, no teething (and the hazards that accompany it), no surprises.
   
   
9. The senior Malinois just wants to be with its person -- hiking, car trips, walks, playing, and day to day companionship.
   
   
10. The senior Malinois reduces the initial demands on your time that puppies and young dogs require for housebreaking, teaching manners, and training. Included in the day to day activities of the household the senior Malinois will very quickly find its niche in your family.
    
    
11. The senior Malinois's adjustment period won't upset your regular night time routine since they are accustomed to human schedules and won't as a general rule require middle of the night feedings, comforting, or potty breaks.
    
    

PRECAUTIONS FOR A GOOD BEGINNING

The senior Malinois doesn't come fault proofed however, so some precautions should be taken during the initial stages of living together.

1. Dog Proof your home. Many of us tend to forget that *new* means interesting; so remove items that might pose a danger to your new senior Malinois.
   
   
2. Make sure food and water dishes are located where they can be easily found by the senior Malinois.
   
   
3. For a short period of time reduce accessibility to just the few rooms of your home where you are at any given time. Baby gates are great for this, or just close doors. Even a Malinois that's housebroken can have an accident. Reduce the chance that your senior Malinois may have difficulty finding the door to the outside during those first early days. Once you have established a routine for potty breaks and both you and the senior Malinois know what the routine is then access can slowly be broadened until the senior Malinois has full access.
   
   
4. Don't immediately change the brand of food that has been fed in the foster home, the senior Malinois can experience digestive upsets more readily than the younger dog so using bottled water during the transition can also help eliminate problems.
   
   
5. Ask the foster home about the schedule the senior Malinois has become accustomed to while in their care. Feeding, potty breaks, time of rising, bedtimes.
   
   
6. Ask if there is any particular toy that the senior Malinois played with in its foster home that could be sent along with them to help make the transition easier.
   
   
7. Be lavish with grooming, it is rare for any Malinois to truly *hate* grooming and it provides an excellent opportunity for one on one interaction and provides you the opportunity to monitor any changes that might occur in your senior Malinois's body.
   
   
8. Lastly, be tolerant. Your new senior Malinois has grown accustomed to the way of life of his previous owner(s) and given time will adjust to life as you live it.
   
   

Malinois tend to remain very vigorous and healthy throughout their lifetime. At approximately 12 years of age you might begin to notice some slowing down but then again you might not since it is not unheard of for a Malinois to live beyond 14. The senior Malinois that is secure in the knowledge that they are valued and loved can remain exceptionally active and are definitely attuned to the slightest suggestion for fun and games.

When the day finally arrives that your senior Malinois tells you that it's time to let go do it freely, with your heart full of gratitude for all the precious quality time they gave you. You'll never be sorry you chose to own a magnificent SENIOR MALINOIS.

Adopted by the Pisani's read about Jussie's first few days