This article was written by Silver Linings Rescue Ranch founder, Erica Psaltis. Erica founded Silver Linings Rescue Ranch in April 2022, but has always had a soft spot for senior dogs. Harley (pictured in this article, is currently up for adoption.)

I love dogs.  Big dogs, little dogs, young dogs, old dogs…  I have ten dogs of my own, plus the dogs at Silver Linings Rescue Ranch (who thankfully, do not all live at the ranch but rather, with a fabulous team of fosters).

I can, with some experience, say that seniors are my favorite.

Senior dogs have taught me so much in this short life, and I want to share what they’ve taught me with you:

Slow Down

I have a tendency to overcommit, pack my schedule full of too much, and be on the go all the time.

Seniors have taught me to slooooooow down and enjoy the moment. 

They are the ultimate zen masters (after cats, of course). Old dogs hare happy to spend the day on the front porch and watch the world go by.

No need to play with toys or chase squirrels – just breathe in the fresh air or enjoy the warmth of a roaring fire.

Nap Often

One can never have too much sleep. Senior dogs pay attention to themselves and unapologetically do what they need.  Relaxing and naps are great!  Senior dogs are the ultimate inspiration in self care.

Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff

I love that my senior dogs have zero ****s to give about hardly anything. Not other dogs, not cats, not chickens, not anything. They don’t have time to worry about things (although they may have the time to bark at them).

Ask For What You Want

Work those puppy dog eyes!  My seniors know that they can use a simple nose boop and adorable faces.  How else will people know?

Exceed Expectations

There will be times when people will write you off, decide what they think you are capable of.  People say senior dogs are too old, don’t want to play, can’t go for hikes, are sickly.  Those things can be true.  But King Arthur went on a 5 mile jog at 11 years old.  Griffen adapted to his three legs like he had never had four, at 10 years old.  Marcus loves to play, at 9 years old.  And my sweet boy Charlie doesn’t feel his day is complete without a jaunt down the driveway and back (he’s 13).

Seniors have years of wisdom and love to draw on, and even more years to give to you.  To give them a second chance at love not only will be instant karma, but it will bring love and joy to your home.

Ely Twiggs

Author: Ely Twiggs

Ely's love for the outdoors and having first hand experience of the shortness of life was the impetus for her move from Australia into an RV to travel the US. When she got to Bend, she knew this was the place. After creating The Dog in Us, a multi-channel platform about exploring National Parks with Dogs, she wanted to bring dog-approved resources to a local community she loves. Enter The Dog Guide Bend, a resource made for the Bend Dog Community. Ely is the guardian of two rescue dogs, Alaska and Smoky Joe, and they are the center of her universe. Ely and her husband Tom run a mobile RV repair business called Meet You There RV Repair & Inspection.