LITTLE ROCK — During a visit to the Humane Society of Pulaski County’s shelter, I noticed a chihuahua huddled in his crate. With sad brown eyes, his big ears at half-mast and gray hairs overtaking his tan coat, the little fellow had more than a hangdog look - he appeared bereft.
The dog had arrived at the shelter that day. His owner had died and her family wasn’t able to or didn’t choose to care for her aged pet, a shelter worker told me. The dog obviously had been loved and cosseted, and he was confused and anxious after being taken from the only home he’d ever known.
Older pets like this chihuahua find their way to shelters and rescue groups every day for a variety of reasons - owners die or become ill, family circumstances change, people move into housing that doesn’t allow pets, and so on. Elderly pets, particularly cats, are the most difficult to find homes for, according to Petfinder.com. Infact, the average stay in a shelter for older animals is four times longer than that of others.
To promote the adoption of older cats and dogs, Petfinder.
com and the American Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (aspca. org) have designated November as national Adopt-a-Senior-Pet month. Giving older animals - those age 7 years and older - a home during their last years is an act of compassion, the groups say. But it also benefits the people who take them in.
Most older dogs and cats have the advantage of already being socialized, house-trained and knowing basic household etiquette (such as no scratching the furniture or attacking the owner’s feet). They don’t need constant supervision and attention because they’ve outgrown the rambunctious puppy and kitten stage. A huge plus is that they’re also past the destructive chewing phase.
With older animals, Petfinder.com says, you’re getting a “known commodity” because their personalities are formed and they’ve grown as big as they’re going to be.
Like any rescued pet, however, they require compassion and patience while adjusting to a new home and new people.
People thinking about adopting an older pet should be aware that they could have special needs. An older cat or dog might need more frequent veterinary visits, a prescription diet or daily medications. Before adopting, it’s a good idea to have the animal checked by a veterinarian so you’ll be aware of any special needs and can take measuresto address them. A pre-adoption exam can also help you decide whether you’ll be able to provide adequate care.
Old animals don’t just curl up on a rug and wait to die. They adapt to new lives, plus learn new behaviors and new tricks. Even if they’ve slowed down physically, they still like to play and benefit from the mental exercise of training.
If you’re interested in adopting an older dog or cat, check with your local shelter and rescue organizations or look at Petfinder.com. Veterinarians.com recommends that you talk to your veterinarian about what type of pet might best fit in with your family or lifestyle, and suggests questions to ask adoption groups.
For guidance on caring for an older dog, check out Love Has No Age Limit by Patricia McConnell and Karen London, which provides detailed tips on everything from the car ride home and handling the first few days to dealing with common behavioral issues. The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Feline Health Center addresses the care of elderly cats at tinyurl.com/2gh52c, giving advice on proper diet, exercise, grooming and health care.
Do you have a question about
pets? We’ll get you an answer
from an authority. Send your question to Rhonda Owen,
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette,
P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark.
72203 or e-mail [email protected]
Family, Pages 30 on 10/31/2012