Old dogs aren’t necessarily slow dogs

Hello, I’m Jasper and I’m a 12 year old collie cross / Heinz 57 sort of dog who came into Oldies Club foster care last New Year’s Eve and was adopted by my foster family.

I wanted to take this opportunity to show you that although there are older dogs in rescue who are happy with a bit of a potter around the block, there are plenty of older dogs like me, who still enjoy a long walk and a good run around. If you like going for long walks, please don’t be put off adopting an older dog like me, we’d be very happy to come with you!

I love going off lead with my new family and having a good charge around the fields.

I’m also evidence that it’s not just young Labs that like to retrieve!

I do have some arthritis and a bit of a heart murmur, but it doesn’t stop me enjoying life. My Mum puts a supplement called Synflex on my food each day to help my joints and she says regular exercise helps to keep me fit and healthy too.

I’m always up for an adventure and whenever Mum or Dad pick my harness up, I know it’s time to go out and start jumping around! I do just about manage to sit still when asked so that my harness can be put on.

I live with other rescue dogs in my new home – here I am racing my much younger sister – she did win as she’s VERY fast, but I gave it a good shot!

My brothers, who are both 11, are very active too. Below is a video of one of them playing with our sister. Would you guess that there’s 8.5 years between them?

If you are thinking of getting a dog, do consider adopting an older one. Many of us are still happy to go for a nice long walk and when we’re at home, we’re really no trouble at all!