This month is National Adopt and Older Pet Month. As a “mom” to six adopted pets, and a volunteer photographer at the local animal shelter, I cannot stress it enough just how important it is to consider a senior pet.
Sadly senior pets are usually the last ones to be adopted and often the first ones put to sleep when a shelter becomes over crowded. That breaks my heart because I work with a lot of older dogs and cats at the shelter and they ar some of the most wonderful pets you’ll ever meet.
Our first pet as a married couple was a six year old cat we adopted. His name was Pixie (the shelter named him that). He was a huge cat too (close to 20 pounds). I fell in love with him the moment I saw him. There were plenty of kittens available (there always is) but there was something special about Pixie. When I opened the crate he jumped right in my arms and purred while he rubbed his face against mine. It was true love at first sight!
Even though Pixie was 6 years old he lived for many years. He would have lived longer if he didn’t get sick (Cancer). He was a great cat.
We adopted Pixie because at the time our daughter was a toddler. We had our hands full with her let alone chasing a kitten around and preventing a kitten from getting into mischief.
The ASPCA has a fantastic list of reasons why you should consider an older pet. Please, if you are a pet lover, or are considering adopting an animal, can you check out this list?
http://www.aspca.org/adoption/adoption-tips/reasons-to-adopt-an-older-dog.aspx
Even though the article is for older dogs the same holds true for older cats too.
The article makes some very valid points, like how older pets are already housebroken. They also have less energy so you don’t have to deal with a kitten or puppy who run on “high octane”. Our kitten Bella is overflowing with energy. I swear, if she could find a way to run up the walls and across the ceiling she would!
Older pets are just as lovable as puppies and kittens and equally as cute. 🙂
If you are able to open up your heart and home to an older pet please consider it. You can visit your local animal shelter or www.PetFinder.org to find older pets in your area.
The pets featured in this post (my own personal photos) are senior pets waiting for adoption.
Kimberly
*I was not asked to post this information. I posted this because I am a HUGE animal lover and for the benefit of my site readers.
Brandy says
This is great, I didn’t know that it was National Adopt an Older pet month! Such a great idea, too many animals don’t have homes!
momznite says
Adopting an adult animal has a lot of advantages and give you a good feeling.
momznite_at_yahoo_daught_com
sandy weinstein says
i love that you promote doggies and other pets on your blog. one thing people can do is use coupons to get free food and treats, toys, etc. that they will not use. in nc we have a food bank at the spca. also when my children (4legged) win things that they will not use or eat or i dont need, i donate them. i participate in contests for pet items, even if i know i will not use them, so i can donate them. also if you have any extra towels, blankets, paper towels, etc. the shelters can always use them. make this one of your new years resolutions. also if you dont have any children or relatives to leave your assets to, you can always leave them to shelters, rescues, etc. i have left mine to the nc vet school. also some vet schools have a program that helps others that cant afford surgeries for their pets, through donations. these are all tax deductible, even the items that you buy to donate.