Why We’re Thankful for Senior Pets It may be National Adopt a Senior Pet Month, but there’s never a bad time to bring a greater awareness to animals enjoying their golden years. Anyone who has adopted a senior animal can tell you that those extra years under a pet’s belt can really bring out their most vibrant personalities. Whether it’s a cat with 12 years of cuddling expertise or a dog who, after 10 years, still gets just as excited at the word “walk” as in her puppy days, senior animals bring smiles and happy memories regardless of how many years they’ve spent with your family. Zoey, 8 years old Senior animals come to the AWLA in a variety of ways. Some have lived with one person their whole life and after the death of that special someone, they have nowhere else to go. Others have lived as strays for years and are eager to join a family and home for the first time. Still others may be experiencing medical issues that their owners are not able to manage, for a variety of reasons, and they come to the AWLA seeking a more consistent level of care. Regardless of how these seniors come to our shelter, they usually need a little time and patience to settle in to their new surroundings, but this extra attention is worth the years of love they’ll provide to a caring new best friend. These extra years of experience can create a very different adoption experience for your family. Many senior dogs have already had some kind of training, from basic house-training to tricks like Sit, Down and Roll Over (or at least Lay Down for a belly rub). While kittens and puppies may still be exploring their worlds by tooth and claw, senior animals have been there and done that. They are much less likely to be interested in a shoe chew toy or amateur gardening in your indoor plants. And don’t be fooled by people who tell you that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks; older animals can often be more attentive and ready to learn new habits and training, with the right approach and patience. Sherman, 18 years old Sherman the cat is one of our most senior seniors. At 18 years old, he doesn’t look a day over 12! Sherman is an example of a cat who uses cuddles and face rubs to adjust to new situations and make new friends. Sherman was originally adopted in 2003 and lived with his owner until they passed away last year, when Sherman rejoined us with the hopes of finding a new friend with a lap and maybe a cozy bed to share. Like other senior animals, Sherman has a few health conditions that are well-managed with daily medication that he takes with his breakfast. His favorite things in life, besides your undivided attention,are eating and napping, and he is very good at both. Many of our senior animals take a regular medication to help them manage any chronic conditions and keep up their excellent quality of life. Other seniors eat special food to help keep their tummies happy and health in top shape. Adopters of our senior animals receive a consultation that covers all of their new pet’s health needs and how to continue their routine at home so everyone stays happy and healthy. Nanny, 10 years old Another reason many adopters choose a senior pet is because of their calm, go- with-the-flow attitude. Nanny the Bluetick Coonhound is a perfect example of a dog who is up for anything…just as long is she isn’t expected to walk too quickly. At 10 years old, Nanny joined us from rural Virginia with the hopes of a quiet retirement with a loving family. Over the summer she was a canine counselor for our campers, and as soon as the leaves started to turn she broke out her coziest sweaters. She also takes a daily medication that helps her skin stay healthy and manage an occasional cough, but otherwise she spends her days enjoying the fall weather and snoozing in her bed, and she’d love to bring her low-key, calming influence to her future family. Every animal is different — Most senior cats won’t be asking to play at 2 a.m. and most senior dogs won’t be dragging you off the couch for a daily 5-mile run — but they can show you the best way to stroll through life, enjoying each new smell as you sniff it and each sunny spot just calling out for a nap. If you think a senior pet sounds just your speed, you can view all of our senior animals by visiting our adoptable animals page and setting the AGE drop-down menu to senior. Many senior animals have had their adoption fees donated through our Adopt It Forward program, and if you are a senior yourself, you are eligible for waived adoption fees through our Seniors for Seniors program. So if you’re looking to celebrate National Adopt a Senior Pet Month — or any month — with a new best friend, stop by to learn more about all of our pawsome seniors ready to find families to call their own. Get the latest animal news right to your inbox! Subscribe to our Blog!.