Senior Pets Rock! Here's why...

Like humans, cats & dogs go through the inevitable process of aging and face challenges that come with getting older. 

Older cats & dogs (5+) are often overlooked for adoption. They may no longer be as cute nor as playful as a newborn puppy(though some would disagree). Perhaps they have mobility/medical issues and need extra care. 

While some of this may be true, older cats and dogs can still make perfectly wonderful pets and would appreciate love at this time of their lives more than ever. 

There's no good reason to cast senior pets aside like an old pair of shoes.  If you are lucky enough to have a senior pet, hug them everyday and  be grateful for their love and presence.  

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There are many good reasons to adopt an older pet. 

• With age comes wisdom!  Senior pets are mostly trained and already know basic commands. This means they probably won’t chew up your Christian Louboutins (if you own a pair) or your John Richard Ottoman (if your feet are propped on one) or the legs of the “Rooms to Go” sofa that you are working to pay for. In short, they are over that crazy chewing stage! The same goes for senior cats. Nothing is cuter or more fun to watch than the antics of a playful kitten. Of course, it is not very cute when their claws shred the upholstery on the cushion of your chair. An older cat may well be trained to use a scratching post.  
• Potty pros! They are likely already trained to pee and poop outside and sleep through the night. So you don’t have to worry about cleaning up messes in the morning or waking up at ungodly hours to let your pup out. 
• Calm as a clam! Their energy has slowed, no longer needing long, fast-paced walks and games of pitch and fetch, so they are perfectly content to join you on the sofa in front of the TV. And there is nothing more charming or restful than a mellow senior cat/dog dreaming contentedly by a fireplace or on your lap.
• Be a hero! By adopting a homeless older pet, you may be saving its life! Many people are quick to adopt younger pets, overlooking ones that are 5+ years old. Sadly, older pets have a greater chance of being euthanized if not adopted in a timely manner. 
• Be an advocate for love at all stages of life. One very important  reason to adopt a senior pet is that you will be standing up for the value and beauty of life at all ages and stages. The sad fact is that many older pets have been abandoned because their owners simply no longer want to take care of them. 
  
  

Overall, the older pet is less demanding than a young one, requiring less of your energy, but appreciating your love and companionship just the same.  
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Yes, there are many issues that come with an aging pet, but they are a very small price to pay for the priceless love they can offer! 

“To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring - it was peace.”
Milan Kundera

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Shelia Huffman, Contributor
Shelia recently moved to back to Dallas (after living in Midland for a few years) where  she was a staff writer for White Rock Lake Weekly and a columnist for Bubblelife Media.  A retired travel agent and event planner, she has  been an animal activist her entire life.  Shelia  has a daughter and son-in-law in Midland, a grandson in Dallas and a granddaughter at Texas Tech. She lists cooking and writing about food, and,  of course, playing with her Terrier Mix rescue, Penelope, as some of her favorite things.