Puppy cuteness is tough to resist, so it’s no surprise that shelter pups are often quickly adopted. But what about senior shelter dogs? They are often passed by, yet they have so much to offer.

Older dogs are open books where size, grooming needs and behavior are concerned. Housebreaking is usually a done deal, but you really can teach old dogs new tricks. In fact, older dogs can focus better than puppies on what you want. And already knowing what it takes to be part of a pack allows senior canines to settle into new homes quickly. Seniors don’t need constant monitoring, and while they need some exercise, they don’t have the high-energy demands of a puppy.

Maybe most important of all, many senior dogs have learned what it means to be loved by and devoted to humans. In fact, they may have the biggest hearts of all.