Why Senior Pets?

1. Loyalty, Loyalty, Loyalty! Chances are good that by adopting a senior dog or cat, you have rescued a wonderful, loving animal from an untimely, unfortunate and unwarranted death. A senior pet can sense that he or she was saved and will be eternally loyal to his or her new “forever” family.
2. Ease Of Guardianship. Senior pets are mellow, relaxed and ready for a new home. They are past the puppy chewing and destruction stage or the kitten climbing-of-curtains and dive-bombing you from above stage and usually come with basic training. Most senior pets are happiest sitting at your feet or curled up in their bed next to yours.
3. No Huge Lifestyle Change. You don’t need to worry about puppy and kitten proofing your house and constant training. (“No! Drop it! Not yours!”) And older pets let you get a good night’s sleep!
4. Stress Reliever. Life today can be very hectic. Studies have shown that animal guardianship can decrease blood pressure levels and reduce stress. Senior pets enjoy leisurely walks and gentle play, which will encourage you to exercise for even a few minutes on your busiest days.
5. WYSIWYG (“What you see is what you get.”) Senior pets are full grown and their personalities are completely developed. When you meet with your senior dog or cat, you will know what kind of wonderful, loving animal he or she is and will always be.
6. Wisdom With Age. Senior canines and felines have learned many of life’s lessons. They know, for example, that shoes are for walking and bones are for chewing.
7. Calm, Cool & Collected. Most senior pets do not demand the time and attention that a younger dog or cat does and are satisfied with casual walks, cuddling, and short play time. Many senior pets snooze the day away inside while you are busy at work and are waiting calmly at the door for you when you return home.
8. Old Dog, New Tricks. Senior dogs can learn new tricks and be valuable family and community members. They also make excellent therapy dogs.
9. Companionship For All. Senior pets make wonderful companions for everyone, especially senior people and busy professionals.
10. Save A Life. Senior dogs and cats are often the first to be euthanized in area shelters. Passed over for cute and cuddly puppies and kittens, they often have little chance to be adopted.

Sources: The Sanctuary for Old Dogs; The Senior Dogs Project