The Today Show recently had a segment on the difficulties shelters are having finding adoptive families for older animals. After shedding a few tears over the stories they told and thinking of my two bubs, both over 11 (we don’t know how old they are because they were strays that adopted us 11 years ago) I wondered why anyone would not want to be surrounded with the love only an older animal can provide. After all, they don’t have any issues with how old we are, how much money we have, what kind of car we drive. They’re just happy for any moment they have with us, no matter how fleeting that time is with the busy schedules we have today. So I decided to do a little research on my own and found many resources on the internet that explain why people don’t want to adopt a senior dog, only to find that the biggest issue is a perception problem.
According to www.SrDogs.com, older dogs lose their homes for many different reasons, most of them having nothing to do with problems the dog has, but rather with those of the person surrendering the dog. Many folks think dogs who end up at shelters or in rescue are all genetically and behaviorally inferior. But, it is not uncommon for very expensive, well-bred dogs to outlive their usefulness or novelty with folks who bought them on impulse and no longer want to take responsibility for them. Other reasons older dogs become homeless: death of a guardian….not enough time for the dog…… change in work schedule….. new baby…..need to move to a place where dogs are not allowed…. kids going off to college…. allergies…. change in “lifestyle”…. prospective spouse doesn’t like dogs. (All these reasons are taken from real case histories.) When I read that list the thing that jumps out at me is there isn’t one animal that was surrendered because of something it did, it is the owner that changed.
The number of animals of all ages taken to shelters is growing exponentially by the day as the economy worsens. If you offer your home and your love to a shelter dog, but especially a senior dog, you will be rewarded with more love and companionship than you could possibly imagine. Every day that goes by will be greeted with their wagging tails and sloppy kisses, showing their complete and utter adoration of you for saving them. They know what you did for them, and they will never forget your kindness. Where else on this earth will you find a relationship so rich and rewarding as the one you can have with that special pet. While writing this the ASPCA commercial came on TV with Sarah McLachlan singing “in the arms of an Angel; may you find some comfort here”, and my first thought was that we could be the angels by adopting a shelter dog. But on second thought isn’t it the animals that are the real angels on this earth?
Don’t forget that if you can’t take an animal into your home right now and money is too tight for a donation to the shelter, you can still visit www.fidofinder.com and vote for Randolph County Humane Society as your favorite shelter for our chance to win a $1000 monthly donation. Monroe County has consistently won it over the last few months, so let’s step up and see if the good people of Randolph County can let their fingers do the work towards a much needed donation for our local no kill shelter. You may be helping your next best friend, or that angel that’s been patiently waiting for you until your time is right.
[...] Continue Reading [...]