Not for seniors, but to adopt a senior. Dog that is, not citizen. The Ashland County Shelter in Ohio is offering discounted adoption rates for senior dogs.

The downturn in the economy has led to increase in the amount of dogs being dropped off at the shelter. Senior dogs, those five years and older, are always harder to adopt out.

The normal fee is $60. For dogs that are part of the “blue-tag” special, the cost is $14 with a license; $24 with license and vaccinations; and $34 with license, vaccinations and microchip.

The shelter is hoping with the low adoption price of $14 potential adopters will consider an older dog. A dog like Grampy, who was found tied to a tree, starving and emaciated. He has been at the shelter since November 10th and is on the road to recovery. Now, he just needs to be on the road to his new forever home.

Having adopted an older dog in June I know how wonderful it is. It can also come with a few benefits, you don’t have to worry about toilet training or destructive chewing. Plus, I really believe they know how lucky they are to be adopted and the amount of love you get in return is priceless.

The Ashland County Dog Shelter, 1710 Garfield Ave., is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 419-289-1455 or go to www.ashlandcounty.org for more information.