Dogs

Adopting Older Dogs and Cats

Older dogs and cats are often overlooked as pets when you enter into a shelter. But, the truth is, they are often the best bet when it comes to adoptions! Enjoying the company of a dog costs nothing. You don't have to pay each time you spend time with your dog, you don't have to drive anywhere - it is wonderful pleasure right there in your own home.

Take a look at an older dog or cat on your next trip in. Then remember that they:

They are already house-trained. No more mopping floors five times a day or going through frustrating crate training.
They are focused. You will have their full attention when it comes to training.
They are easier to settle into a pack: Often the older dogs and cats are much calmer and have an inherent sense of pack.
Your dog doesn't care that you lost your job or your savings. He loves you no matter what.
Dogs and cats are relatively inexpensive to feed, you can bathe your dog with a hose in the backyard, and if you adopt a mutt, you may have fewer veterinary bills.
If you can't afford to travel, the "I am gone too much" excuse is no longer valid.
Frisbees and balls are cheap, and if you videotape them, you might just win $10k on America’s Funniest Videos.
Petting a dog lowers blood pressure, thus saving on medical bills.
Your dog or cat doesn't need a fancy vacation to be happy- she is satisfied with a walk in the park or lying on your lap as you read a book.

Please consider adopting an older dog or cat - so many are being turned in to the shelter due to "cost" or "lost our home and had to move into an apartment".

We especially need adopters for the older dogs who have been in a family environment for their whole lives and find themselves scared and confused in a kennel in the shelter. These old souls are the sweetest and the best! Seniors are by far my favorites.

For more reasons on why “Seniors Rock!”, visit www.srdogs.com.

Stacy Mantle

- Should I Adopt Two Adult Cats At The Same Time?
By Langley Cornwell My mother-in-law recently decided to add a heartbeat or two to her solitary life. We went to the animal shelter with her because she wanted our advice and moral support. I’m amazed that my husband and I didn’t come home with another...

- Five Good Reasons To Adopt A Senior Pet
By Julia Williams I think it’s great that the ASPCA and Petfinder.com celebrate November as Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month. So many older animals languish in shelters because potential adopters are typically more interested in a younger pet. I completely...

- Adopting A Dog: What You Need To Know
By Linda Cole Adopting a dog is fun and exciting for the entire family. However, it's not as easy as simply walking into a shelter or kennel and walking out with your new friend. There are a few things to keep in mind before and during your search...

- November Is “adopt A Senior Pet Month”
By Ruthie Bently Petfinder.com is a virtual, searchable database of adoptable animals, shelters and adoption organizations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Petfinder.com has designated November as “Adopt a Senior Pet Month,” which I think is a wonderful...

- Adopting A Dog From An Animal Shelter
By Ruthie Bently I am asked a lot about what kind of dog someone should get. My answer is “the dog you get should be the right one for you.” Did you know that animal shelters are a great place to find a dog? You can find a puppy or an adult dog,...

Dogs