"Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog."

 - Sydney Jeanne Seward

 

It is impossible to keep up with all of the National Days for This-and-That, so let me bring to your attention two reasons that November is important. Not only is the first week of November designated as National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, but the entire month is celebrated as Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month. 

What a perfect combination!

Stop by the Animal Shelter on Smith Circle Drive in Elizabethtown to express thanks to the guys who answer calls when there are animal problems, or pets are observed being mistreated in some way. Ask to see the pets which are available and seeking safe, loving homes. Those with the gently graying muzzles are the ones we are focusing on this month, the ones whose life has taken a turn for the worse for whatever reason and they find themselves homeless and alone. 

I can quickly list 5.5 reasons to adopt a mature pet, be it a dog or a cat. 

1. Skip the puppy or kitten stage – the “terrible twos.” Accidents and chewing and scratching, constant commotion and attempts to keep them out of trouble. Cute and fluffy little guys attract a lot of attention but also NEED a lot of attention, care and discipline to become model canine or feline citizens. 

2. Calmer and easier to handle. If you are a senior yourself, or just don’t want to come home from work each day to face even more work with a demanding young pet, think about a nice relaxing walk with your senior pet. Good for you and him or her.

3. Already house-trained. Most mature pets know right from wrong and are reluctant to soil their living quarters. In my experience, even those who have not previously been kept in the house adapt and housetrain quickly when given the chance.

4. More predictable behavior. What you see is what you get, whether quiet and gentle or energetic and outgoing. 

5. Fewer surprises. A mature dog or cat has already reached full-size and won’t grow bigger or shed more than they are today. You will have a better idea of breed or breed mix with an adult. 

5.5. Because they are harder to place …. you are truly saving a life.  

Many times we hear someone say they want a puppy that will grow up and “bond” with them. Never fear about an adult dog "bonding," quite the opposite. Dogs who find themselves homeless "know." They will actually bond closely with you and will enrich your life as you save theirs. No dog will ever love you like one who was once abandoned.

Animal shelters and rescue groups across the country have an abundance of healthy senior pets looking for that special home which will cherish them for their remaining years. Bladen County is no exception. Visit the Bladen Animal Shelter during National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week or online at www.AShelterFriend.org and adopt a senior pet. It is the right thing to do!

I would love to share stories of your adopted pets. Please e-mail those along with any pet-related thoughts to:  asf@intrstar.net