November brings Thanksgiving to the United States, a national holiday with a long, strong history. It’s known as the Month of Gratitude in America, a time to reflect upon the numerous good things in our lives. Helping those in need is an aspect of this holiday. From donating food items and money to serving with non-profits, Americans help their neighbors in a variety of ways. One way is also assisting animal shelters and rescues, and with November being Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month, we can shower our shelters and rescues with items needed to care for all pets in they help, including senior animals.
Older dogs and cats offer a sense of serenity and provide special companionship. Photo credit: Pixabay
My husband and I have adopted elderly pets over the years. One was a cocker spaniel named Cody, who came into our local animal shelter at age 10, after being used for breeding for his entire life. Cody lived with us for nearly eight years, although we accepted the fact he might only be our companion for two or three. What a delightful dog he was!
Elderly pets often come with medical issues ... but so do elderly people. I'm helping care for my 85-year-old mother and 88-year-old father. From arthritis to early dementia, each physical and mental health issue that affects them affects me. My own declining health since I've turned 60 plagues me as well. I'm thankful I can care for both my elderly pets and my elderly parents at my stage of life.
Aaron, our 12-year-old cat, and Jeremiah, our 11-year-old dog, both adopted from rescue organizations.
Senior pets have many positive qualities, such as already being potty trained, having lived with families in the past and therefore, having better house manners than most of the younger animals, and not needing the rigorous exercise and activity younger pets require. Senior pets and senior people often meld well together, and even families can benefit from senior pets: their loving companionship and their need for less activity in a household that may already have a lot of activity.
So, if you're thinking about adopting a pet this year, consider the older ones ... like our Cody and Aaron.
Learn more about the benefits of adopting a senior pet here:
Even if you don't adopt a senior pet, if you have a dog or cat or any other pet living in your house, that animal will become elderly one day ... just like humans, animals grow old. I've had animals that lived to 12, 13, 17, and 18 years of age, and just like with older people, medical issues can, and do, arise, such as diabetes and renal failure.
Caring for an older pet requires compassion, patience, and yes, money, just like it does for humans. Our pets depend on us, so let us not abandon them in their old age. We don't want our family members to abandon us as we age.
Learn more about caring for elderly pets from the American Veterinary Medical Association here:
