This week I would like to advocate for senior animals. Many people may not realize that local shelters very often get in senior pets that are anxious in such an unfamiliar and stressful environment. They are often overlooked for adoption because people often do not want to bear the loss of a pet and, since older animals pass on before younger animals, odds are that this happen sooner than with a young animal. Older pets make wonderful companions and are often a better choice for some homes. For example, they are great company for the elderly. A jumpy, unruly young cat or dog may be too much to handle. In some cases a lively animal may cause a person to fall. Older pets do not require as much exercise and training and they deserve a loving, responsible home to live out their lives just as much as a younger animal. It is not their fault that they find themselves homeless after so many years of companionship. While it may be difficult for a person to go through the loss of a pet sooner than later, inevitably one will have to go through it. Giving a senior pet a good life for the time it has left is something you can feel good about. Currently, we have a senior dog for adoption. “Blue” is a nine-year-old lab-pointer mix. She weighs about 70 pounds and she is spayed and vaccinated. She’s good with cats, housebroken, of course, and enjoys companionship. She may be good with other dogs as well but we haven’t tried her yet. Blue was surrendered because her owner lost her place to live.

Another dog we have is “Sugar” an eight to 10-year-old pitbull who was found stray. She had a benign fatty growth on her side that has since been removed and she looks and feels so much better. Sugar is an absolute doll, loves everyone she meets and super affectionate. She seems to be good with other dogs and cats (she likes to try to get the cats to play but of course they never do).

We also have a cat named “Fiona” who is around 12. She is very social and sweet, loves to be around people, is good with other cats and doesn’t mind dogs. Fiona was brought into the shelter after someone found her hanging around their house for several days and told us about her. Fiona was diagnosed with a hyperthyroid disorder after we noticed she was losing weight and eating a lot. It is a common ailment for older cats and is easily managed with inexpensive daily medication. Fiona has started her medicine and is doing well. She’s just waiting for a new home. She just wants a warm lap and a window seat and she’ll be happy for the rest of her life.