An article published by the Los Angeles Times highlights the difficult situation of many older dogs in animal shelters—few new pet owners are willing to consider adopting them. There are understandable reasons, of course: puppies are cuter, a younger dog has more years of health and life, younger dogs don't come with possible past trauma or poor training.

But Hillary Rosen, whose Purposeful Rescue nonprofit helps owners of older shelter dogs, thinks that there is a deeper reason that people turn away from the gray muzzles in a shelter. Rosen says, "Everybody knows about puppies. But no one talks about what happens when dogs get old. It's like looking in a mirror. People are so afraid of old dogs; people are afraid of getting old."

Possible Preaching Angle:

Deep in our hearts is a fear of the end of the life cycle. A fear of aging and illness, of approaching death. But the true value of a dog—or a person—isn't found merely in the convenience of their existence or the ease of their life. It's in deeper things, like a lifetime of experience, the beauty of connection, and the even wisdom that can come with age. Perhaps old dogs can be a reminder of better ways to view others—and ourselves—as we age. We are never too old for love, affection, or a home.