Seniors 4 Seniors Program – We Love “Old Gold”!

Seniors 4 Seniors is a program sponsored by DVGRR that matches senior Goldens (8 years and older) with senior adult adopters (65 years and older).  While adopting a senior dog is an invaluable experience for families and individuals of any age, the match between an older dog and an older adult carries some unique benefits:

  • Older adults are often physically more suited to a calmer, less rambunctious dog, rather than the high energy young or adolescent Golden Retrievers.

  • Older adults, especially those who have lost some or all of their former support systems, can find their lives greatly enhanced by the faithful companionship of a dog.

  • The responsibility of caring for a dog – daily walking, exercising, feeding, and training – can fill the need in an older adult’s life to have a purpose and to feel needed, emotions that are sometimes greatly reduced or lacking after retirement. 

  • Senior dogs with either beginning or advanced degrees of joint problems can potentially benefit from shorter, more frequent opportunities for walks during the day, rather than being limited to a long walk before or after the working day. 

  • Senior dogs often prefer the quieter, calmer atmosphere found in a retired person’s home. They enjoy the opportunity for napping and relaxing without the commotion and constant activity level of younger and/or larger households! 

Given that many older adults are living on fixed incomes and must be more careful about budgetary concerns, DVGRR’s Senior 4 Seniors program incorporates several financial incentives for older adults to consider adopting an older dog. These, combined with the emotional advantages of sharing one’s life with an easy-going, relaxed, calm Golden Retriever, serve to create a win-win situation for the humans and dogs alike.

Who’s Eligible?

To participate in this program, at least one member of the adopting family (who will be residing with the dog) must be age 65 or older. Applicants must also meet the regular eligibility criteria for all DVGRR adoption applicants and go through the regular approval process, including a home visit.
(Seniors 4 Seniors eligibility and/or benefits are subject to change.)

What's Included in the program?

PROGRAM BENEFITS

ADDITIONAL INFO / EXCLUSIONS

All initial veterinary care provided -- Prior to adoption, the senior Golden will receive all necessary veterinary care, including senior blood panel and full dentistry, if needed. 

Goldens with grade 2 or greater tartar qualify for the dentistry benefit.  

Reduced adoption fee -- The regular senior dog adoption fee of $350 is reduced to $250. (as of 7/1/12)

The senior dog adoption fee is reduced by $100.

Prescription pain medication for arthritis provided at no cost -- If the Golden requires prescription strength pain medication for arthritis (either at the time of adoption or at any point in the future), DVGRR will provide an ongoing supply of Putney's Carprofen Caplets (generic Rimadyl©) as needed for the life of the Golden. 

To start your dog on carprofen in the future, we just need documentation from your veterinarian that it is appropriate for your dog to take this medication.

 Annual wellness exam provided at reduced cost through DVGRR -- On an annual basis, the adopter will have the option to bring the adopted Golden back to DVGRR’s BARK hospital (Buddy’s Animal Rescue Klinic) for an annual wellness exam conducted by DVGRR’s veterinarian. As part of the annual visit, DVGRR can also provide a senior blood panel, inoculations, fecal test, SNAP 4 test, lump aspiration if needed, and any veterinary care treatable at the BARK hospital. The exam and any of the other options selected will be made available to the adopter at DVGRR’s cost.   

Should the adopted senior dog require additional veterinary care or emergency medical attention at any time other than the annual wellness visit, the adopter will be responsible for cost and care. DVGRR consultation prior to additional medical care is not necessary.

Why Participate?

Simply stated, senior Goldens are fabulous companions! They are often overlooked by younger families and wait longer than usual to be adopted, yet offer so much to their new human companions. Just listen to one Seniors 4 Seniors adopter talk about his experience adopting from DVGRR:

Shirley (11-197)

After having our two Golden Retrievers, Doug and Goldie, cross over the Rainbow Bridge within six months of each other, my wife, Kathy, said “no more dogs.” I was willing to go along with her wishes until I met a senior Golden named Shirley.

I met Shirley at DVGRR’s Meet & Greet event in October 2011. Immediately, I was smitten. Who would have thought that a 12-year-old Golden Retriever would steal my heart so easily? With the help of DVGRR’s Seniors 4 Seniors Program, I brought her home! I was in a bit of trouble with my wife (only at first!), but it is so worth it.

Shirley has made herself right at home. She loves being in the house, as she was an outside barn dog in her previous home. She is learning all the household sights and sounds – the television playing, soda cans opening, vacuum cleaner running, and of course, her meals being prepared! She guards the house with great care by communicating when any children, animals or cars pass by. From day one, her favorite game was to steal one of our shoes and keep it close by wherever she is. Why, we don’t know, but it is just one of her adorable and lovable characteristics. Shirley’s presence in our home provides the opportunity for smiles and laughter every day.

I would not have been able to bring Shirley home without the Seniors 4 Seniors Program. The program provides a significant discount on the adoption fee. It also provides an annual veterinary check-up and financial assistance with heartworm, flea/tick preventative, and arthritis medications.

Senior dogs are special! Seniors become part of the dog rescue community because their families’ lives and status have changed. They already know how to give unconditional love. These senior Goldens need and deserve caring and loving homes. Kathy and I have received love and blessings from Shirley beyond what we have imagined. She completely enriches our lives!

—Tim and Kathy Reeves, Langhorne, PA