Hi, I have been looking around petfinder and google for Corgi's to rescue from a shelter or buy from a breeder.
Even though I want a tri-color, I am willing to open my home to a young to adult dog especially when there are the benefits of little to no housebreaking and a dog that is possibly more comfortable around people.
However, the dogs that I see in the DC area for adoption are in the 6+ year old range, some as high as 8 to 10.
Is 6-8 years old too old to adopt?
Am I setting myself up for a buddy that is too old to train or play with or won't have enough time to be my companion?
Thanks.
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For myself, at this point in my life, six would probably be the upper limit of what I'd look for if I were searching for a dog.
However, if someone left a ten-year-old Corgi tied to my bannister, I would probably keep it. :-) My husband and I have already discussed (when we found the Pom) that while we don't want a third dog, we could cope if a third dog in need landed on us.
My response was poorly worded because I'd just woken up and my brain was not fully engaged. I was responding the the rhetorical "If we don't take them, who will?" which I KNOW was meant in the warmest of spirits. The person who should take home any dog is the person who feels that dog meets their lifestyle, and many dogs who are adopted end up going back through the system several times because someone takes them home and finds they don't match their lifestyle. I know some shelters with high populations have "seniors for seniors" programs where they match older dogs with older humans who are looking for something not quite so active.
My older Corgi is 7, and he is full of beans, just started learning agility, and I hope has many years ahead of him. So I don't think 7 is too aged for a new home. But the conversations above are all so interesting -- and the bottom line, you have to do what's right for you, that's certainly true. So, I have a suggestion! If this guy is good with other dogs, why not adopt him, have some time together to bond and adjust -- and then look for a younger one!!!!! Corgis are after all like potato chips, you can't stop with just one....
Just kidding, thinking big. ;-)
Jane, I was going to contact breeders next for young adult corgi's.
I have also been looking on Petfinder and Google for adoptees in the DMV area.
I did find this guy here: http://www.mycorgi.com/forum/topics/dexter-needs-a-forever-home and added to that discussion, I wonder if he is still available?
Breeders will sometimes place young adults who didn't pan out, as Jane says. They might also place retired show dogs who they won't breed for some reason, or three-year-olds who had a litter and are done.
And adolescence is actually a prime time in life (sadly) for dogs to be surrendered. But depending on where you are in the country, rescue Corgis may be scarce. And (though it's not PC to say so) in many areas, spay-and-neuter programs have been so successful that there are thankfully very few dogs of any type in the shelters at all; I know from reputable news sources that many rescues and shelters actually import dogs from other parts of the country because they have so few. So how easy it is to find a non-puppy in need of a home depends a lot on where you are.
I adopted a very fit 10-year old Corgi earlier this year. We knew his history. He came from a very good home and was never abused. He is the best dog EVER! He gets along great with my younger dog who is a very high strung dog. Having the more mature 10yr old Corgi has helped calm down my younger guy. The 10yr old is the "Alpha" which my younger dog really needed. We bonded with the 10yr old just like any other dog we have owned and he is a great addition to the home. Plus, it really makes you feel good to adopt an older dog that you know would otherwise have a more difficult time finding a home.
Two of the best corgis we have ever adopted were 11 and 13 1/2 when they became part of our family. Both Angus and Rudy were lively and active. Angus especially would wear us out. As long as someone threw a stick or a ball, he would bring it back and beg for more. Our only regret was that we didn't have them longer to love, but the grief of parting with them was by far overcome by the love they gave us and by knowing that their last years were happy and comfortable.
I encourage people to give senior critters a chance. And 6 or 7 for a corgi is by no means senior.
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