32 – Half the Fee, Twice the Love
I love to talk with pet owners. Each of them has a special story to share. People I don’t know, but who have read my column, will often call to share stories of the dogs they love or who have made a special impact on their lives. There is a trend I see, one to which I can relate. Calls about problems tend to involve young dogs (or cats, more recently). Calls “just to share” will involve older pets. The Cookeville/Putnam County Shelter, the Friends of the Cookeville/Putnam County Animals, and the Humane Society Spay/Neuter Clinic have teamed up to provide a special program – Half the Fee, Twice the Love - to benefit people who would like to adopt an “older” pet. Older pets will be available for adoption for $50, which includes spay/neuter, vaccinations, nail trim, heartworm test, and flea/earmite treatment, if necessary. The promotion runs March 1 – 14.
What constitutes an older pet? Age has no special definition. Think of people you know. I have a friend who is barely 50 and lives life like she’s 100. I have another friend in her 60’s who is an accomplished tri-athlete. Does the number make a difference? Very little. Likewise with our pets. Higgins was 15 when he starred in the title role of the movie Benji. Pal, the rough collie born in 1940 and star of the Lassie movies of the 1940s, also starred in the pilots for the Lassie television series in 1954. Animal stars including Eddie from the Frasier television series and Morris the Cat from the 9 Lives Cat Food commercials were both older when adopted from shelters. All of these “older” pets certainly defy the notion that age equals useless. My goldador, Abby, was six before she settled enough to become a hospital visitation dog with the HABIT program through the University of Tennessee Veterinary Hospital program. She made a positive difference in so many lives, even as an older pet.
Why are older pets often overlooked at adoption time? Many people have misconceptions that cause them to miss the chance to adopt what could be the pet of a lifetime. Some think the pet must have some type of problem, either with health or behavior. Older pets end up in shelters for many reasons. Seniors who must move to retirement homes are not allowed to bring along their pets and family members are often unable or unwilling to take them. My sister-in-law recently acquired an older golden retriever because the dog’s previous owners had a child who developed severe allergies to the dog. Economic crises have cut into some people’s budgets so deeply, feeding a pet is no longer an option. These pets were loved and cared for by their previous owners, they are pets who did not present any problems. They are healthy and loving, only in need of someone with whom to share their lives.
Older pets have so many pluses. Most are housetrained or litter box trained. Think – no standing in the rain, waiting for the young one to decide that it really is okay to “water the grass” even if it’s already wet. No surprises on size. You know how large your dog or cat will be when he grows up because he is already full grown! Older pets have their personalities established. You’ll know if the pet will like children/other animals/people. With young pets, there are destructive behaviors which must be retrained. I think everyone who has encountered a puppy knows the truth about those razor sharp little teeth used to shred not only prized possessions, but human flesh as well. Older pets generally have “respect” for your belongings. Younger dogs want to walk at a speed that would most likely get you a ticket in a school zone. Older dogs are usually quite happy to stroll and enjoy the ambience of smells left on the ground earlier in the day. Snuggling on the couch has to be the ultimate achievement of the older pet. Those youngsters just don’t seem to get the concept of relaxing the way the more mature pet does.
There will certainly be some extra needs for the older pet. Healthy pet checkups twice a year for older pets are recognized as good practice. A special diet with lower fat and possible supplements like arthritis medicines are to be expected. Walks may need to be a little shorter and less intense. Older pets may sleep a little more and getting out of bed might take some extra time. New tricks can still be learned, you might just have to help the pet unlearn some previous behaviors first. The tradeoff is a healthier you – lower blood pressure, better mental state, more exercise, and increased social contacts.
Please contact the Shelter at 931-526-3647 to find out how you can take advantage of the reduced –cost adoption of an older cat or dog through this promotion. Improve your life by saving the life of an older pet. What could be better than that?
Jan Casey is a reward-based trainer and owner of Smiles and Wags Pet Services. You may call her at 931-510-0119 or send email to jan@smilesandwags.com .