Older dogs rule

There are Good Reasons to get an older dog and then there are Great Reasons. First, let's look at the good ones.

May already be housetrained. Even if they aren't, the housetraining process for an adult dog takes less time than for a puppy. This means fewer puddles on the kitchen floor, fewer groggy midnight trips to the backyard because Coco can't yet be trusted to hold it. A housetrained dog is a glorious thing.

Has grown into her personality. Unlike a puppy, you'll have a sense of who your adult dog already is--aloof, friendly, barky, high-energy, or shy--and how well she'll fit into your household.

Less destructive. An adult is mellower than a five-month-old puppy--especially if that adult is five years or older. They have also, mercifully, passed beyond that annoying (read: destructive) chewing phase.

Less demanding. A grown-up dog, particularly one with a few years on her, is glad to go for a walk, but she's equally happy to curl up at your feet while you watch tv or read a book. She still needs plenty of attention, of course, but she won't be quite as demanding it as a puppy can be. For this reason, an easygoing, older dog can also be a better fit for a family busy with small children

And now for the Great Reasons. Ok, there's really only one, but it's a biggie:

She needs you. There are hundreds of thousands of dogs in shelters--most of them adults. Some are strays who were found on the streets, some have been abandoned. Many are surrendered for various reasons that have nothing to do with the dog's behavior. So if you're looking for a dog, consider adopting her from a shelter or rescue group.

And don't worry about the puppy. He will get adopted.