Gayle M Irwin

 

 

 

 

 

“We’d like to see about adopting a cat,” I told the animal shelter worker. “We are looking for a cat that gets along with dogs, preferably a spayed female, two to five years old. We like calicos but really our parameters are just adult female that’s okay with dogs.”

An hour later, my husband and I filled out an adoption application. Two days later, after being approved, we brought Aaron home.

No, Aaron is not a female. No, Aaron is not a calico … or even a black and white like our Murphy. Or tortoiseshell like our Bailey. Or even orange and white like our Ama. He’s not even in the age range.

 

 

 

 

 

A gray (somewhat striped) 12-year-old male cat now resides in our house. Why such a drastic change? Because he is friendly. No, he’s LOVING! And he’s lovable. He rubs his chin against ours. He asks to be held. He lies on laps. He gives what we’ve termed ‘Aaron hugs.’ And yes, he does fine with our 10-year-old shih tzu.

Older cats (and dogs) are among the least adoptable. I suppose people are concerned about loving an older animal realizing its time on earth is likely short. However, if we can provide a pet even a year of a wonderful, quality life, filled with compassion and attention, my husband and I will do so.

We once adopted a ten-year-old cocker spaniel named Cody. I remember hubby and I agreed, “If we can provide him the best life for the last few years of his life, it’s worth it.” Cody lived to be nearly 18.

 

 

 

 

 

Our cats, Murphy and Bailey, lived to the ages of 18 and 17, respectively, and a cat I brought into the marriage, Ama, lived to almost 19. So even if Aaron only makes it to 14 or 15, that means he has two or three years of being spoiled and provided for. His previous owners abandoned him in the middle of winter, when temperatures in our area were -20 and -25 degrees. A Good Samaritan took him in and was able to take him to the animal shelter later. The poor guy’s life was tumultuous for more than half-a-year. Now, however, he’s safe, secure, and loved. And he freely gives the love and affection in return.

Most cats hide for at least a few days after arriving in a new home. Not Aaron. He slept on the day bed in my office from the start, and he now sleeps in the ‘people bed’ regularly at night. He also loves resting on the couch and the two chairs in our living room. He plays with toy mice and he tries to steal the dog’s food. No acclimation needed! No, sir, this cat knows he’s home … and he did from the get-go!

 

 

 

 

 

Not all adoptions go this smoothly; I’ve adopted plenty of dogs and cats in my life to know this is an anomaly. Per our usual strategies upon adopting, we kept Aaron and our shih tzu, Jeremiah, apart from one another, with Aaron confined to my office with the daybed and plenty of windows for a few days (we thought it would likely be a week, that’s been our experience, however, as I mentioned, Aaron’s friendly personality extends to other creatures as well as humans). He took to the litter box immediately after being shown where we placed it, and he played with the toy mice we provided for him. I’d work in my office off and on and my husband set up his computer in my office as well. We also fed him in that room (and still do – Jeremiah likes cat food better than dog food!) and provide(d) him with water there as well.

We are now three weeks in, and the entire household is calm and content. Jeremiah lived without another pet in the house for nearly seven months, and he grew despondent. He was used to another dog and two cats sharing the house, and though none were his ‘besties,’ they were at least around. I do hope Aaron and Jeremiah will become good friends as time goes on … and I think Aaron would like that too. He’s approached Jeremiah closely a few times this past week, so we shall see. At least Jeremiah knows there’s now another animal sharing the house once again.

 

 

 

 

 

June was Adopt-a-Cat Month and November brings Adopt-a-Senior Pet Month. We adopted Aaron in between, so it doesn’t matter when a person adopts – there are always animals in need of new, loving, safe homes –  but adoption from rescues and shelters is critical. Adoption saves lives and provides joy … to all parties involved.

Don’t be afraid to adopt an older pet. They have a lot of love to give. Both Cody and Aaron have taught me that.

Learn more about adopting senior pets on this Best Friends Animal Society webpage:

https://bestfriends.org/stories/features/8-reasons-adopt-senior-pet