STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — When adopting a pet, many people first consider buying a new puppy or kitten. Senior pets are sometimes overlooked in shelters and at adoption events, but seniors have more to offer than you think. They’re calm (no puppy or kitten shenanigans), loving and loyal companions. Rescue agencies say because they’ve often been through hard times, they’re especially thankful to find families to call their own.
And while many people live by the “adopt, don’t shop” rule, senior pets often get left behind at these shelters with an uncertain future. Shelters are frequently overcrowded, and older dogs are often among the first to be euthanized. In choosing an older animal, you are truly saving a life.
Here are a few benefits of adopting a senior pet.
1. It’s rewarding
Giving a senior a second chance and letting them into your heart is an incredibly rewarding experience.
2. They require less exercise
Senior pets tend to sleep more and typically require less exercise than their younger counterparts. So, if you don’t have the time to commit to long sessions at the dog park, a senior pet who likes a daily stroll around the neighborhood or prefers to chill out at the café may be your ideal pet.
3. Their personalities are already developed
When adopting a senior pet, their personality is already developed, so you’ll better understand whether the pet will suit your lifestyle and fit in with your family.
4. Senior pets are usually already trained
Senior pets often already know many skills, including toilet training, walking calmly on a lead, waiting for food, interacting nicely with other dogs, and much more. The training requirements can be a lot less than for a puppy.
Meet Champion…
If they were giving out sweetness awards, Champion would win the prize! This 11-year old, 48-pound Pit Bull Terrier mix is the embodiment of kindness and serenity. And as a bonus, he ain’t too bad-lookin’ either!
Champion is lovely around adults, kids, dogs, and cats. Nothing fazes him. A mellow dude, Champion enjoys short walks and long naps. If he has access to a yard, he loves being able to wander around on his own. Champion is housebroken but appreciates being reminded when it’s time to go out, so as to avoid any potential accidents.
A big fan of being pet and massaged, Champion believes there’s no such thing as too much attention. He thrives on love, and he has an adorable way of asking for cuddles and caresses. His other favorite thing is food! This fella can eat! And he will let you know when he’d like a nibble of something…even if it’s not meant for him. Hmmm…I smell pizza…or meatballs…or maybe it’s chicken parm…can I please have a bite…even just a tiny taste? 😉
Champion is an extremely easy-going gentleman who will follow you around like a shadow and continuously monitor what you’re doing. When he wants something, he will talk to you in the most charming, heartwarming way. He spends much of the day snoozing and resting, but when he’s up and about, he’s got a real presence about him. Everyone who meets him immediately falls for him.
Like a fine wine, Champion is aged to perfection. And he’ll be worth every sip!
If you would like to adopt this wonderful dog, please email rescue@pupstarzrescue.org or visit www.pupstarzrescue.org for an application!
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PupStarz rescue cannot guarantee the breed, size, temperament or age of any dog or cat. (Courtesy/Pupstarz)Pupstarz
Thank you to the dedicated rescue agencies for their hard work and efforts to find a good home for these wonderful animals. They do this because they know how special they are and how they can enrich your lives.
ADOPTION EVENTS
Dec. 30
- SICAW will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 2:30 to 5 p.m.
Dec. 31
- SICAW will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Hello Fox!
Meet Fox, a delightful DSH mix (estimated DOB 09/20/2023). This lovely kitty is sweet, soft, and super-loving.
She is cat-friendly, dog-friendly, and terrific with adults and kids. She is frisky and fun but also knows how to chill out. She will swat feathers, chase plastic balls, and play with string toys…and then go down for a much-needed cat nap!
She is cuddly, cute, and very entertaining to have around. She has a soothing purr and a gentle meow that will melt your heart. This deserving fluff ball is a gem and will make someone very happy.
If you would like to give this wonderful cat a home, please email rescue@pupstarzrescue.org or visit www.pupstarzrescue.org for an application!
**We cannot guarantee the age, breed, or size of a cat. (Courtesy/Pupstarz)Pupstarz
FLAGSHIP BREWING DOG CLUB
Do you love dogs? Do you love beer? Then fetch a cold one at the Flagship Brewing Co.’s Dog Club. The club meets every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. in the Flagship Brewery taproom, 40 Minthorne St., off Bay Street.
The Flagship’s Dog Club is for that special breed of dog and beer lovers who can bring their (well-behaved) pups to the meetings. Once a month, there will be a guest speaker to talk about their specialty or knowledge regarding the welfare of their treasured, loyal friends.
For more information, visit https://www.restaurantji.com/ny/staten-island/the-flagship-brewing-company-/ or call 718-448-5284.DOG-FRIENDLY PARKS
DOG-FRIENDLY PARKS
· Allison Park, off-leash area, the field at the end of the trail bordered by Prospect Avenue, Sailors Snug Harbor Cemetery, and the pond
· Amundsen Trail, off-leash area, between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard
· Arthur Von Briesen Park, off-leash area, lawn area, mid-park on the right side
· Bloomingdale Park, dog run, Maguire Avenue behind athletic fields closer to Ramona Avenue
· Clove Lakes Park, off-leash area, the open field above picnic area near Royal Oak Road and Rice Avenue
· Clove Lakes Park, off-leash area, Brookside Avenue between Alpine Court and Kingsley Avenue (lawn area)
· Clove’s Tail Park, off-leash area, lawn area, corner of Victory Boulevard and Little Clove Road
· Conference House Park, dog run, Clermont Avenue and Massachusetts Street
· Cozzens Woods Park, off-leash area, Page Avenue between Hylan Boulevard and Amboy Road
· Crescent Beach Park, off-leash area, Tennyson Drive, and Glover Avenue. Located in the meadow area leading to the beach
· Evergreen Park, off-leash area, Greaves Avenue and Evergreen Street
· Father Macris Park, off-leash area, lawn beyond ball field
· Ida Court Playground, dog run, Ida Court between N. Railroad Street and Drumgoole Road East
· Lemon Creek Park, off-leash area, the bottom of Seguine Avenue at Johnston Terrace; just below playground
· Siedenburg Park, off-leash area, Greaves Avenue, and Evergreen Street
· Silver Lake Park, dog run, Victory Boulevard below the pavilion, across from the Parkview Apartments
· South Beach Park, off-leash area. Note: On sand only after Labor Day and before Memorial Day
· Willowbrook Park, off-leash area, Archery Range Field
· Wolfe’s Pond Park, dog run, to the left of Cornelia Avenue
For more information with rules and regulations, visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/dogareas.
Dogs cannot enter any bathing facilities, including New York City beaches. However, from Oct. 1 through May 1, leashed dogs are allowed on the sand and boardwalk at Midland Beach and South Beach.
Leashed dogs are allowed on the boardwalk/promenade at Midland Beach and South Beach.
For more information on rules and regulations, visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/dogareas.
PET POISON HELPLINES
If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, contact the Pet Poison hotline at 855-764-7661 or petpoisonhelpline.com, or contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or aspca.org.
As the seasons change, keep in mind the plants that are poisonous to animals: https://www.rover.com/blog/poisonous-plants/
TO REPORT ANIMAL CRUELTY
To report an incident of animal abuse, call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
To contact an environmental conservation police officer or report suspected violations, contact the DEC Law Enforcement Dispatch Center at 844-DEC-ECOS (844-332-3267) or dec.ny.gov/.
