Stand Up For Senior Pets (article) by Mr. Ed on AuthorsDen

Save A Senior's Life America’s animal shelters are all now overflowing with abandoned, left behind dogs and cats, of every size, shape, age, breed, and personality. And each and every day now, I hear yet another abysmal story about yet another extremely faithful older pet being very callously and very cruelly dumped at an animal shelter or city pound by its family, for truly lame and self-centered reasons: “Jake is too old to play anymore, so my kids want a puppy!” “We’re moving soon, so instead of bringing old Jasper with us, we’ll just get a new cat in our new town.” “He’s not much of a watchdog anymore.” “We’re having a baby, so we don’t want a pet in the house anymore.” “I now work long hours, so I just don’t have time for old Rex anymore - can't you find him a new home?” Our extremely loyal and extremely loving senior pets deserve far better from all of us, and the thousands of homeless senior dogs and cats being dumped at shelters these days very rarely get adopted or ever find loving new homes. Far too many of these innocent older pets are being euthanized today, because no one wants to give them a second chance. In an effort to help these truly deserving abandoned older pets, the ASPCA and Petfinder.com have designated the month of November as ‘Adopt A Senior Pet’ Month. Here are 10 reasons to consider adopting an adorable and truly deserving senior pet this month: 1. When senior pets are adopted, they seem to understand that they have been given a second chance at life, and they are all the more thankful for it. 2. A senior pet’s personality has already developed, so you will readily know if he or she is a good fit for your family. 3. You Can teach old pets new tricks. Senior dogs have the attention span and impulse control that makes them easier to train than their youthful counterparts. 4. A senior dog may very well already know basic commands. 5. Senior dogs and cats are already house and litter box trained. 6. A senior pet won’t grow any larger, so you will know exactly how much pet you are getting. 7. Senior dogs and cats are usually extremely content to just relax in your company, unlike younger pets, who may get into mischief because they’re bored. 8. And speaking of relaxing, senior dogs and cats make great napping and television watching buddies. 9. Senior pets already know that chew toys, not shoes and furniture, are for chewing. 10. Senior pets are the hardest pets to find new homes for, so when you adopt a senior dog or cat, you are truly saving a precious life. I myself have rescued and adopted several senior pets – both dogs and cats – and they have all been truly marvelous and truly appreciative companions. Please Consider Adopting a Senior Dog or Cat This Month; Please Help Save A Senior’s Life. ©November 2015, Mr. Ed

Reviewed by Mr. Ed

Reviewed on November 4, 2015

Hi Ron, thanks for your comments. There are already numerous sanctuaries in America and all around the world, for abandoned senior dogs, cats, horses, etc. I donate to many of them; but there are never enough of them because: 1)People keep dumping their un-spayed and un-neutered pets on the streets and everywhere else, which just leads to more and more unwanted homeless pets. 2) More and more people are also now dumping their older pets at shelters and city pounds, and these shelters and pounds cannot keep up with the sheer numbers, so far too many seniors get put down - before their time. And 3) far too many people keep supporting puppy mills and backyard breeders by continuing to purchase, not adopt, their pets. And when these same people tire of their so called 'pedigrees' these poor animals end up in the shelters and pounds as well. And all of this just keeps getting worse and worse.
Ed

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

I think the idea, like your backyard for those that have the space, money and inclination, would be to start a sanctuary (old folks home) for aging pets. Not necessarily a menagerie, but separate ones for dogs or cats, both with a great need to be with others of their own kind.

What I envision would be ample housing for them to get in and out of the elements when necessary, and lots of room outback just to enjoy an acre or so of space to roam and do what dogs like to do whether it be joining groups or to lounge alone. Ample good food could be provided and occasionally, human interaction in the form of petting, playing, or whatever comes to mind. But generally, just letting the dogs enjoy their old age with plenty of shelter and food, combined with companionship with other dogs.

I would also add occasional trips to the veterinarian to assess medicinal needs and, euthanasia when pain and suffering become too great. We do it for elephants and chimpanzees. Why not for elderly dogs and cats?

You may not agree with this, but that's fine. Just a suggestion when a dog or cat becomes unwanted, there are people out there, like you, able to take in multiple pets with loving care.

Ron