Did you know that November is National Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month? Of course there is never a bad time to consider taking in an older animal. In fact, according to a PetFinder.com survey, “less-adoptable” pets wait for a home nearly four times longer than the average adoptable pet does – and sometimes more than two years!
The ASPCA published their Top Ten Reasons to adopt a an older dog. They include the fact that they are easier to train, they settle in quickly, they have fewer messes, and they don’t require constant monitoring.
In honor of the event, CNN is profiling the story of some senior pooches who have gained quite an Internet following via social media. One such dog is Marnie who has more than half a million Instagram followers. Before she was adopted by Shirley Braha, the 12-year-old Shih Tzu was called “Stinky” and described as “a smelly, matted dog found roaming the streets of a small Connecticut town.”
Another heart-warming story is that of Susie who is the inspiration for the launch of Susie’s Senior Dogs where owner Erin O’Sullivan posts photos of older dogs from around the country who desperately need to be adopted. Since March of this year about 200 dogs have been adopted due to their efforts.
So I urge every prospective pet owner to consider the older and “less adoptable” animals when you visit your local shelter. Seniors are often the last to be adopted and the first to be euthanized. You will reap incredible personal, emotional rewards and gain a life-long friend. In November, be a hero and save a life!
PetFinder.com has plenty of resources available for anyone considering adopting an animal no matter what the breed or age. And if you live near the Whitehall, Pennsylvania area, you can check out all the adoptable cats and dogs available through Peaceable Kingdom Animal Shelter.