Sure, puppies are adorable.  However, just like their human counterparts, these babies require an extensive commitment of time and energy from their guardians.  For many Americans, busy schedules and work commitments prevent them from being able to provide the kind of round-the-clock care that younger animals require. 

Emotionally, pets -- and that includes adult and senior pets -- can bring new meaning and purpose to the life of a senior who is living far away from friends or family.  The unconditional love and commitment to their owners is almost like free therapy.  They can act as friends, entertainers and warm, fuzzy bundles of joy.  Having a pet in an elderly person's life can offer them a sense of well being, a sense of encouragement and even a reason for living.  Being responsible for another life often gives new meaning to the lives of those who are living alone or far from loved ones.  Caring for and providing a loving home to a companion animal also helps elderly people to remain active and stay healthy.

Also, anyone who has ever observed an infant and wondered what he would look like as an adult knows that, without meeting his parents, it would be hard to guess.  In the same way, it's hard to determine what kind of characteristics a puppy will have until the animal is an adult.  In contrast, it's much easier for potential adopters to get a sense of a mature animal's qualities--including size, temperament and personality -- and to make a more informed decision based on their expectations.

Still not sure about adopting an older dog?  Here are some more reasons:

1. Older dogs are housetrained.  You won't have to go through the difficult stage(s) of teaching a puppy house manners and mopping/cleaning up after accidents.

2. Older dogs are not teething puppies and won't chew your shoes and furniture while growing up.

3. Older dogs can focus well because they've mellowed.  Therefore, they learn quickly.

4. Older dogs have learned what "no" means.  If they hadn't learned it, they wouldn't have gotten to be "older" dogs.

5. Older dogs settle in easily because they've learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack.

6. Older dogs are good at giving love, once they get into their new, loving home.  They are grateful for the second chance they've been given.

7. "What You See Is What You Get." Unlike puppies, older dogs have grown into their shape and personality.  Puppies can grow up to be quite different from what they seemed at first.

8. Older dogs are instant companions -- ready for hiking, car trips, and other things you like to do.

9. Older dogs leave you time for yourself, because they don't make the kinds of demands on your time and attention that puppies and young dogs do.

10. Older dogs let you get a good night's sleep because they're accustomed to human schedules and don't generally need nighttime feedings, comforting or bathroom breaks.