Forget Shark Week,реальное порнография it’sBark Weekon Mashable. Join us as we celebrate all the good dogs, which we humans do not deserve.
"Ask not what you can do for a senior dog, but what a senior dog can do for you," JFK (not really, but the sentiment is true).
Senior dogs are adopted at a rate lower rate than dogs of all other ages combined, according to a study from the ASPCA. But older dogs make for loyal and calm companions for anyone who wants to skip the energetic, messy puppy stage.
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Shirley Braha, the human who adopted Instagram-famous Marnie the Dog as a senior pup explains why you should consider older dogs when looking to adopt: "Senior dogs are usually pretty chill and just grateful to have a safe place to call home and a human to give them lots of love," Braha says in an email.
"When you save a senior dog from a shelter, you're rescuing them from what is often a very traumatic experience, and sometimes, sadly, with an even darker fate. You get to swoop in and be a superhero while benefiting in completely selfish ways too because now you have an awesome animal friend."
SEE ALSO: 9 things you need to know about how to behave around assistance dogsSo if you're ready to add a graying fuzzy face to your home, we worked with Petfinder to find 20 senior dogs from all over the U.S. who need homes. (Even if you're not looking to adopt, scroll through for an instant warming of your feels.)
From the toothless to the devastatingly handsome, these furry charmers just want we all want -- love, treats, and a good place to nap.
1. Kitty
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable Location: Vintage Dog Rescue, Colorado
This little lady is a nearly toothless, 12-year-old shih tzu who would make the perfect companion for weekends on the couch watching Netflix.
Kitty might sound like the name of a wealthy divorcee who sips champagne with every meal, but this senior pup is quiet and down to Earth. She came to the Vintage Dog Rescue after her human died a few years ago.
2. Erma
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable Location: Old Dogs New Digs, Portland, Maine
Gaze into the thoughtful eyes of Erma and just try not to be captivated.
The cattle dog and chow chow mix was found as a stray in Georgia and has since relocated to the coast of Maine to a foster home where she enjoys walks and charming humans with her expressive face.
Just look at this smile:
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable 3. Espresso
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable Location: Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, San Francisco, California
A scruffy look with a sweet demeanor, Espresso is a shot of joy.
Espresso's underbite means her teeth stick out from the patch of grey hair, giving her a grizzled look not unlike that of a life-long fisherman. But all Espresso wants is to curl up on your lap or soak up the sunshine in the park.
4. Buddy
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable Location: Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue, Council Bluffs, Iowa
Need a positive influence on your life? Consider Buddy, who loves Brussel sprouts and dancing. 2018 isthe year of self-care after all.
Buddy himself is a self-improvement inspiration after coming into a rescue overweight at 15 pounds. He's working toward a healthy goal weight, but never brags about it because he's not much of a barker. He likes chilling out in his pet stroller or in a doggy carseat, and taking long naps (relatable).
5. Boone
Location: Gateway Pet Guardians, St. Louis, Missouri
Boone has swagger. And he knows it.
Boone is a suave terrier mix with a slight limp that doesn't stop him from strutting around the neighborhood.
6. Henry
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable Location: Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society, Santa Fe, California
Handsome Henry calls Santa Fe home, but he'd love to be a part of your home.
Henry was surrendered after his human could no longer care for him. At 11-years-old and with a salt-and-pepper coat, he's a senior gentleman who still knows how to have fun.
7. Wheezer
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable Location: Senior Dog Rescue of Oregon, Philomath, Oregon
"Woo-ee-ooh, I look just like a pug mix" - Wheezer, probably.
This "pug-something" likes to start his day with a little massage to loosen up his arthritic hips, then he's ready to tackle the day by doing something fun like wandering around the yard or snoozing in his doggy bed.
So adopt Wheezer and say, "Woo-hoo, but you know I'm yours, Woo-hoo, and I know you're mine."
8. Fletcher
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable Location: Powell Animal Welfare Society, Powell, Ohio
A smile that could charm even the coldest of souls (read: cats). And the fiercest ear floof on the block. That's 10-year-old Fletcher.
This chow chow mix gets along with kids, dogs, and yes, even cats and is both house and crate trained.
9. Checca
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable Location: Liberty Humane Society, Jersey City, New Jersey
If you already have a dog who is in need of a BFF, Checca could be ya boy.
Checca is 60-pounds of friendly doggo who has made many human and dog friends since coming into the Liberty Humane Society as a stray. Even though he's considered a senior pup at age 10, he still loves playing with toys like an exuberant puppy.
10. Tommy the Tank
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable Location: Professional Animal Worlds H.A.L.O. Rescue, Sebastian, Florida
Don't let Tommy's wheelchair worry you -- he zips around just fine with his wheels.
A tumble off a sofa nearly killed Tommy, but a veterinarian was able to save him and now he just wants to roll into your heart and your home. He loves cuddles and shows his affection with wet doggie kisses.
11. Lala
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable Location: Atlanta Humane Society, Atlanta, Georgia
Lala came from a big family of dogs that got to be too much to handle for her humans. She's looking to settle into a smaller family that can help her come out of her shell. She'd do well with other dog friends because who doesn't need someone around who really understands you?
12. Potter (and Olive!)
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable Location: Senior Dog Sanctuary of Maryland, Severn, Maryland
A mother-son duo who would love to top your cuddle pile.
It's actually quite incredible that this Yorkie pair can squeeze such big, loving hearts into such tiny little bodies.
13. HoneyBear
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable Location: Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary, Petaluma, California
HoneyBear would love to be your devoted honey.
She's currently working to gain some weight after entering the Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary underweight after her human experienced health problems. She'd love nothing more than to become a devoted doggo companion in a forever home with or without other dogs.
14. Cosmo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable Location: Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter East Bank, Harahan, Louisiana
Oh, Cosmo. Sweet, sweet Cosmo.
Cosmo was surrendered by his owner but is now reaching his paw out to you (really, he'll shake your hand), if you're looking for a sweet boy. Cosmo has some vision and skin problems, but he's 75 pounds of sweetness.
15. Bear
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable Location: Williamson County Animal Center, Franklin, Tennessee
Bear is a photogenic stunner, but it's not just skin deep beauty for this good boy. The 10-year-old shepherd mix is an inquisitive pup, who loves to explore and curl up for cuddles.
He does well on leash walks (which, of course he wants to show off that face) but will also take a spin around the backyard on his own.
16. Roxie
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable Location: Bedford Humane Society, Bedford, Virginia
No, Roxie is not wearing eyeliner, she's just naturally smoldering.
Roxie spent most of her life working as a therapy dog at an assisted living center for the elderly, but now this elderly lady would like to find her own retirement home. She'd make a calm and loving companion for an older human, but also does well with other dogs and kids.
17. Pixie Willow
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable Location: St. Louis Senior Dog Project, Saint Louis, Missouri
Pixie Willow knows she's cute. And she is.
The Chinese hairless and long hair chihuahua mix weighs only 5-pounds but she has a big, feisty personality. She'll be your little shadow and only asks for love and playtime in return. You might even get a big smile in return.
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable 18. Semperr
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable Location: Cheshire Abbey, Jackson, Mississippi
Semperr is a three-legged Akita mix looking for the right human to give him the devoted attention he needs. Semperr loves to give hugs with his remaining front leg, but would need a home without children or other alpha dogs.
19. Ducky
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable Location: Gray Mutts Rescue and Sanctuary, Clifton, Texas
Who's a fuzzy-faced good boy? WHO? Ducky is, for sure.
In that bowtie, Ducky obviously wants to up your style game. And you should listen to this 5-pound, wire-haired, apple-head chihuahua.
20. Deuce
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable Location: Forever Loved Pet Sanctuary, Scottsdale, Arizona
Deuce is 11-years-old, but runs around his temporary home with the excitement of a much younger dog. Despite the high energy he shows when taking a lap in the doggie run, he's also a maintenance, smart fellow who was found as a stray.
He came to the dog sanctuary as a stray and has since charmed all the volunteers who work with him. If you're looking for a furry friend who loves back scratches and rolling around in the great outdoors, Deuce is for you.
If you're still looking for a senior dog to add to your family, there are plenty of graying and wise dogs who would love your love.