November is Adopt a Senior Pet month. Senior pets are the least likely to be adopted from shelters. Everyone, it seems, wants a cute little puppy or kitten. But let’s look at the many reasons to adopt a senior and consider the benefits of an older cat or dog.
Senior pets already understand their limits. A puppy doesn’t know what he can and can't chew, that potty is always outside, nipping is not allowed, nor throwing tantrums. Kittens, if left to their own devices, will climb curtains, knock things off the table, explore your countertops, eat your power cords and steal your jewelry!
This isn’t to say that all senior pets come with impeccable habits, but a grown cat likely understands grooming, including use of the litter box, and that countertops, drapery and clawing the furniture are not acceptable behaviors. Older dogs know to potty outside and even let you know they have to go, can distinguish between what is their toy and what items (shoes) are off limits and typically have leash training to make walks an enjoyable experience for you both. For the most part, senior pets need less supervision than a pup or kitten, can be left for hours while you work, and don’t need as many feedings or training or time to bond with their human.
A senior pet has developed his personality by now, and you will have a good idea of their expected behavior once you bring them home. A chilled-out dog at the shelter will likely be chilled out at your house. Senior cats typically love comfy places to lay in the sun, but still have a playful side.
Adopting a senior opens a shelter space for an incoming pet. Adoption fees for seniors are substantially less, too. But the best reason to adopt a senior is that they still have many years of unconditional love to give. Consider an old soul who needs to know they are secure, safe and loved, and how much your life will be changed as well.
ALAS offers a weekend or 2 week foster to adopt plan to guarantee you have the right pet for your family. Apply now at limestonepets.org.
Arie McFarlen, an animal lover and advocate, writes Paws & Reflect to educate others about animals, especially those at the Athens Limestone Animal Shelter.
