Why Adopt a Senior Pet?
We’ve all done it — walked right past the older, calmer dog or cat at the shelter and made a bee-line to the adorable, wide-eyed pup. Why are we so quick to believe that when it comes to adopting a pet, the younger the better? Fact is, for many of us, a senior pet deserves strong consideration — even preference — for a number of reasons.
Older dogs are often already trained: While a puppy or kitten can certainly be an adorable addition to the family, people often underestimate the time and patience required to train him or her. When you adopt an older dog or cat, you can usually count on them to already be trained, or at least to understand basic commands. And if you’d like to teach them more, you’ll find that older pets have a longer attention span, which makes the task less time consuming. Turns out you actually can teach an old dog new tricks.
Older pets are usually less excitable: Older pets are also usually calmer in general, and can be more docile around new people or kids. They also make great companions for those with a quieter lifestyle, who don’t have the time or energy to spend running around non-stop. Most older dogs are happy just lounging on the couch and being around their favorite people.
You’ll save a life: When you adopt an older dog or cat, you’re very likely saving their life. Puppies and kittens will almost always find a willing adopter, but older pets are often the last to be adopted—and as a result, they are the most at risk in shelters. Adopting a pet in their senior years can save them from an unknown fate at a shelter.
Is it just us, or are older pets more grateful? At the very least, older pets have every bit as much love to give as younger ones, and they certainly are just as deserving of a second chance in life. An older dog or cat doesn’t know they’re old. They just know they want to love, and be loved in return.
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