Working in an animal shelter, we see it many times. The sweet Labrador with some gray hairs on his muzzle gently wagging his tail gets overlooked for the three month old puppy jumping on his brother. The dignified tabby cat following you with her eyes is ignored because of the kitten climbing up the side of her cage. Everyone loves puppies and kittens – they’re cute and loveable and so much fun. They are also a lot of hard work, feeding and taking them to the bathroom many times during the day. They also need constant monitoring and a lot of training. Senior animals are just as sweet and loveable and fun.
November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month. Senior animals make great pets. Senior dogs are already potty trained and on a regular cycle of relieving themselves. Both senior dogs and cats do really well by themselves for longer periods of time. With senior pets, there is not teething or chewing phase. Most of them already know what “no” means. They are grateful for getting another home and full of love, they will be your most loyal companion. They have experienced loss in their past and usually form stronger attachments.
Many people pass on adopting senior pets thinking there will be more medical bills. Puppies and kittens have many immediate medical bills as they need multiple shots and surgery. All pets, regardless of age, need annual exams, inoculations, tests, preventative medication and dental care. Seniors may need more medical supervision, but there is no guarantee of which animal gets a disease or illness; that has nothing to do with age.
Max Wilson, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, asks people to consider adopting a senior animal. “No matter how many years are left in a senior animal, there is plenty of time for love,” he said.
A senior pet could very well be the sweetest animal you’ve even known. Give them a well-deserved second chance and you’ll be rewarded with devotion, love and gratitude. So next time you visit a shelter, stop and spend a minute with that Labrador with the frosted muzzle and see if he doesn’t offer you the world. For the month of November, dogs seven years and older are $50. Cats seven years and older are $25. The price covers spay or neuter surgery, dog license and a rabies vaccination. For more information, visit www.pets.maricopa.gov or call 602-506-7387.