At 9 years old and after two months in the shelter, Ripley found his home at My Furry Valentine 2015!
It’s hard to resist the antics of a fluffy puppy or kitten. They make you laugh, they play at full force, and when they’re done playing, they want to collapse in your lap and be loved. But as cute as these little fluffballs are, have you ever looked into the eyes of a senior animal without a family?
It’s true that you don’t always know the background of a senior dog or cat. And you don’t know when they were born, so you’ll never know their exact age. Maybe you’ll have a little less time with them than you would with a puppy or kitten. But once you get them in your home, you’ll realize how trivial those pieces really are. The bond you develop will be worth all the time you do have, and the only story that matters is the one you’re now creating.
Not every lifestyle is right for a puppy or kitten. Just like human babies, these little ones require extra care, extra time for feeding, extra patience with training, and lots of energy. Older animals tend to be housebroken or litter box-trained. When they aren’t, they tend to catch on more quickly than a puppy or kitten. In addition, they tend to be calmer than their younger counterparts. Maybe you have younger children in the home, or you’re an older adult who isn’t planning on long playtimes. Older animals are more likely to appreciate a serene home where they can lounge in the lap of luxury and soak up the love of their family. But don’t underestimate the pep these older kids still have; once they realize they are home, they may get a little of that puppy energy back, just in smaller doses!
Remember, just because an older animal is in a shelter doesn’t mean something is wrong with him. Seniors may lose their home when their owner gets sick or passes away, and sadly, they are often turned in when a family decides they would rather have a younger animal instead. Allergies, new babies, moves…all reasons animals lose their homes. While it is heartbreaking to think of any animal in a shelter, picture a dog or cat losing the only family he has ever known and spending his golden years alone in a cage. No animal deserves this life.
When you’re visiting the rescues and shelters this year at My Furry Valentine, take another minute with the dogs and cats who may not be leaping to greet you. Ask the volunteers about their stories. Then sit down and give them some extra love. We bet if you give them a moment, they’ll be willing to give you a lifetime.
