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November is a month for gratitude with the Thanksgiving holiday being celebrated. So, it seems fitting that it is a month to recognize senior pets.
For instance, families with senior pets are thankful for them. Likewise, all senior pets ever adopted are grateful to their new families for an extended life.
Consequently, National Senior Pet Month and Adopt a Senior Pet Month are celebrated in November. I honestly can’t think of a better way to celebrate National Senior Pet Month than to adopt one. That is, if you are in the market for a new companion.
It’s a sad reality that senior pets are often the last to be adopted from shelters. Therefore, they are put at an increased risk for euthanasia.
Most senior pets are passed over in shelters and rescues for the cute, cuddly puppies and kittens. Unfortunately, that is to say, they have little chance to be adopted. Therefore, most seniors live out the rest of their lives in a shelter kennel.
However, with our help, we can improve the adoption rate for senior pets by spreading awareness. We can get the word out about how awesome senior pets can be. Or, find out firsthand by adopting.
So, whether helping spread awareness or adopting, we can help these precious souls find homes!
Senior Pets are Rewarding
During this season, there are many things that I’m thankful for, two being my senior dogs. As I look into their old, soulful eyes, I see so much loyalty and love for me.
Many years gone are the sparkly puppy eyes that looked at me eager to play. However, those puppy eyes they once had are no match for the deep, soulful eyes they have now.
My intention after my two senior furries cross the rainbow bridge, is to adopt a senior dog. As a result, I will save a precious life. And, that alone is the best reward.
Let’s take a look at other positive benefits to adopting older pets, rather than the young whipper snappers.
The Positive Benefits to Adopting Senior Pets
So Much Loyalty and Love
When abandoned in a shelter, senior pets are left confused, scared, and sad. But, when you take them home, they know they will live out their life surrounded by love. So, they will give even more love in return.
Furthermore, senior pets sense being saved and will be eternally loyal to a new family.
Calm, Mellow, and More Relaxed
Older pets tend to go through their day-to-day routine in a calm, mellow, relaxed manner. Most senior pets snooze the day away. In other words, they are not a 24-7 commitment.
Therefore, senior pets are less demanding by not requiring as much of your focus and energy. However, they will want to play and go on walks. But, it will just be at a more leisurely and manageable pace.
Their low-key nature means they are perfectly satisfied with cuddling in your lap or next to you. So, there is no need to worry about a chewing or destructive stage. Consequently, older pets are way past that stage!
No Mystery
Have you ever heard the phrase, “What you see is what you get!”? Well, that’s spot on when it comes to senior pets. These wonderful, loving animals take the guesswork out of the equation.
For instance, with puppies and kittens, their personalities nor their looks are fully established. However, with senior pets, you know exactly what you’re getting.
Furthermore, you will know exactly what to expect with their size, energy level, and health status. To clarify, senior pets are predictable.
More Benefits to Adopting Senior Pets
Housebroken with Basic Command Knowledge
These sweet souls were possibly surrendered for various reasons such as, death of an owner or financial reasons. Therefore, senior pets will most likely be house trained and have basic command knowledge of sit and stay.
However, there are some who will not be housebroken or have basic command knowledge. But, don’t let that stop you from taking a senior pet home with you.
Here’s the deal, they are much easier to train than a puppy or kitten. So, you really can teach an old dog, new tricks! To clarify, it is easier because of their more established physical and mental abilities to understand requested commands.
Furthermore, senior pets usually have a lot of experience around humans. Therefore, making training them much easier.
Lifestyle Improvement
Most importantly, studies have proven that owning a pet can decrease blood pressure levels and reduce stress. Although older pets are content just sleeping, they do enjoy leisurely walks and gentle play.
Therefore, this will encourage you to get outside for fresh air and some exercise. Consequently, your health can improve.
Not Much Environmental Change
Well, for starters, you’re going to get a good night’s sleep! If you have ever owned a puppy or kitten, then you know they tend to cry all night.
In addition, senior pets do not require you to “puppy or kitten proof” your house. Plus, you can leave your shoes out in plain sight! Ha! Consequently, they will still be there and intact when you return. To clarify, older pets do not have the desire to chew on them.
In Conclusion…
I seriously could keep this list ongoing with the benefits to why senior pets are so awesome. However, I feel like I’ve made my point. Therefore, you should have a better understanding of why older pets make great companions to adopt.
The only drawback to adopting a senior pet is that your time with them will be shorter. However, your life will be enriched forever. Above all, you saved their life and will get to be a part of their final adventures.
And, don’t forget, senior pets make devoted companions with a whole lot of affection to offer you. When you give them your heart, they will readily give you theirs in return. Plus, your life will be forever changed.
Not sure if your dog is considered a senior yet? Use this helpful tool to determine how old your dog is in human years.
You might like to read the following posts on our site…
- Adopt a Shelter Pet – Prepare For Love and Loyalty
- Fostering Dogs – the Urgent Need Right Now
- Owning a Dog – Your Heart Will Benefit
Have you ever adopted a senior pet? What recommended information can you offer? We would love to read about it in the comments below.
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