You Are Here > The Joys of Senior Pets

Many people express apprehension at adopting an older pet, but there are a number of advantages to having an older cat or dog.

In cats, night-time and post-litterbox "kitty frenzies" are kept to a minimum in the older cat. If you have ever had a younger kitten, you must remember the nightly up-and-down the hallway or stairway madness which comes on with the onset of the evening star. Additionally, the older cat, when invited into your bed at night will generally sleep; all but totally eliminating the early morning kneading-kitty-in-the-face syndrome. In short, the older cat is as delightful a companion as a younger kitten.

The older dog, on the other hand, is a cozy companion. No wet newspapers to clean up with the mature dog in the home. Do you remember having to take the new puppy outside every couple of hours to make sure he does his "duty" outside where he is supposed to take care of his toilet, not in the middle of the living room rug, which is his preference. What about the 2:00 am whining sessions of a newly adopted puppy and the neighbors complaining? Then there's leash training and all the other behavior issues that come up -- chewed shoes and newspapers among them. Yes, indeed, there is something to say for the companionship of the older dog.

If you have visited our shelter, or plan to in the future, you will come to know some of our more mature guests. So, the next time you're considering adopting a pet, please consider the plight of the older cat or dog. While cute is nice, older is wiser! Having an older pet could be the best decision you've ever made.  We believe that every animal deserves a chance.  Why not adopt an older pet and make his or her life memorable for them and for you.

Of Interest...

Senior Dogs Project - marvelous site for those interested in (or who already have) Senior Dogs.  Answers potential adopters' questions about older dogs, including health, training, and adoption concerns.  Includes testimonials from Senior Dog adopters.  And yes, you CAN teach an old dog new tricks!

Senior Dogs for Senior People - a match made in Heaven.  Senior dogs in many ways are the same as their human counterparts. Many of the same ailments and general problems are faced by both man and dog. One devastating problem is losing the person closest to them. For the human senior, the loss of that lifetime mate is a tragic experience. The loss of a lifetime owner can be equally difficult for the canine senior. Both the human and the dog need someone in their lives, and often the best decision is to put these two seniors together.