GrandPaws FAQ's
The GrandPaws Frequently Asked Questions
Older doxies are no different from DRBC than younger ones. They receive the same support and medical care a puppy would; everything is taken care of by our veterinarians.
Then the hard part begins. The search for a new home. Generally, this yields no results. Now, for very special applicants interested in an older doxie, but hesitant to participate as the dog may have higher medical bills or other special needs, DRBC will share ownership with the adoptee. The rescue is responsible for all medical care and any special dietary requirements.
Having an older doxie is a special gift that few have opened. If the thought of helping an older doxie is in your thoughts, but just beyond your reach, complete an adoption application, and write GRANDPAWS on the cover. We will contact you for the next steps.
Here are some common concerns about adopting an older doxie. Hopefully, we have addressed your concern, but if not please use the 'Contact DRBC' section of this website to obtain additional information.
1. Adopting an older doxie means inheriting someone else's problems, why else would they be available?
Through no fault of their own older doxies lose their homes. Some of the most common reasons for the turn in of an older doxie include: the death of the owner, a new baby, allergies, loss of home, and a busy lifestyle. These reasons are identical to why younger doxies lose their homes too!
2. Why and who would want an older doxie when there are puppies and younger doxies available in pet stores and all over the internet?
Clearly, you have not had a puppy or young dog for awhile. They are at the beginning of the training cycle with much to learn requiring extra time from you to achieve that training. Older dogs have house manners, generally have some form of house training, and understand the word 'no'. Older doxies appreciate love and attention and know how to apply that more quickly to your expectations than a younger dog. Older doxies do not have the attention span of a gnat and are very comfortable spending time with the one that matters most to them: you.
3. Is there a really good reason to get involved with a program like GRANDPAWS?
The adoption of a doxie that is older makes a statement about the value of life at all ages and shows tremendous compassion. Remember, younger and older doxies have their whole life ahead of them. No one knows how long any creature will be here. Look at Otto rolling around in the yard in the picture above; no one told him it was all behind him!
4. What about veterinary costs and special needs?
Full disclosure is the name of our game. The truly needy will never be eligible for the GrandPaws Program, but for those that do qualify, it will be harder to tell who is benefiting more: you or the doxie. The medical is covered by DRBC, so there is no concern there.
5. What about training?
At DRBC we are learning all the time, many of us are not puppies anymore. Why would an older dog be different than a human? They're not. In fact, they may train faster.
6. I just lost my older doxie. I cannot bear the loss of another so soon.
There are no guarantees on the lifespan of any animal. Quality is better than quantity and not surprisingly, quality extends quantity, at least for us at DRBC.
Note: This program is not for everyone and certainly not for every older doxie at DRBC. If your interest is sincere, please contact us today and make a difference for one of these great older dogs.