CASSVILLE, Mo. -- Marnie and Tom Braun recently added another four-legged friend to their family.
"We named her Yetta, because Yetta another dog."
Yetta is new to the family, but for a dog she has a lot of years behind her -- 13 years.
The Brauns said there are a lot of benefits to adopting an older dog.
"They've had all their chewing and unnecessary barking and things like that are all over with, and they're very well behaved by the time they're older," said Marnie Braun.
Many people, though, can't help but be taken in by an adorable puppy.
Mike Steffen, the director of Haven of the Ozarks Animal Sanctuary in Barry County, said older dogs are often overlooked.
Since the Haven is a no-kill shelter, many of the animals live out the rest of their lives there.
"My wife and I, we've tried to take home the dogs that we know are getting close, but we can only handle so many," said Mike Steffen.
Of the 114 dogs at the shelter, 28 of them are 10 years or older, and 51 are five years or older.
"Yesterday we lost one of our favorite dogs. Sixteen years old and we lost her yesterday. As far as I know, that dog has known no place but here as home and this dog was a sweet dog," said Steffen.
The facility has taken in all the dogs it can and there's a wait-list.
Making matters worse, the company that donated dog food to the sanctuary decided to give to a larger operation instead.
The added financial strain means Steffen will only take more dogs in when others are adopted.
He's hoping people will think about making a home for older dogs, which he said make great companions.
"You get a dog that's 10,12 years old most of the time all they want to do is lay around and be petted."
The Brauns couldn't agree more with Steffen. They said Yetta has been a wonderful addition to their brood -- gray hairs and all.
"Don't turn that opportunity down because you might find a diamond in the rough," said Marnie Braun.
All the dogs up for adoption at the Haven have been spayed or neutered and they have microchips. For more information go to the Haven's website.
