Companionship Without The Hassles - Senior Dogs and Cats Make Great Pets!

Article submitted by Ronnye Randall, President Collier County Animal League, Inc. (CCAL).
For more information, they can be reached at 239-450-6301, or visit their website: www.collierrescue.com.

What do you do if you miss the unconditional love and companionship of your pet, but don't want to take on the responsibility of another 15 to 20-year commitment (the average life span of a dog
and cat)?

Many people have raised their children and are now enjoying the peace, quiet and independence of an empty nest (not to mention a tidier one, too!). They may also have seen their four-legged "children" move on to cat or dog heaven. But after a while, that nest can start to feel a little too empty. Adopting a new puppy or kitten means having to go through all the housebreaking, training and hiding your best slippers again. Who needs that when you're trying to enjoy your golden years? The solution: consider a senior dog or cat.

Older animals make great companions. They are calm, require less exercise, want more one-on-one affection, walk well on a leash and behave well with people, kids and other animals. They've already been housebroken, spayed or neutered, are up-to-date on vaccinations and have received basic obedience training. They only need a little TLC, which is exactly what we humans love to give our best friends. What more could you want from a companion?

CCAL began rescuing animals that were scheduled for euthanasia in local shelters just over a year ago. There is a terrible tendency in shelters to consider dogs and cats over the age of 6 years as 'unadoptable.' As a result, these fabulous older animals aren't given the same opportunities as puppies and kittens when it comes to showing the public what's available. Local shelters do not currently have the resources to care for every animal that gets turned in on an indefinite basis. When the kennels are full, someone has to make the tough decision as to which animals stay and which are euthanized. Top of the list are animals with any kind of medical condition. Right behind them are the older animals. But just as with people, age shouldn't determine an animal's worth. Yes, it may take a little longer to find that special person who wants an older animal, but they're worth the effort.

Adopting any animal is a huge responsibility and should be a lifelong commitment. In the case of dogs and cats, that commitment can last for two decades. Anyone considering adopting a puppy or kitten should think carefully about whether or not they are truly prepared for such a serious commitment. Most people just think about how cute they are now, without considering how they will feel in 10 or 15 years when it's raining outside and this now 50-pound dog needs a walk. Admitting you don't want to take that on doesn't make you a bad person. It makes you realistic. And it doesn't stop you from enjoying all the pleasures a pet can bring. Adopting an older pet will save a life and give you a more manageable pet ownership experience.

Another obstacle to animal adoptions in Collier County, in particular, is the large population of snowbirds who would find it difficult to travel with their pets every year. Becoming a foster parent allows snowbirds to save the life of an animal scheduled for euthanasia and enjoy the companionship when they're in sunny Florida.

CCAL has a foster program that places dogs or cats in temporary homes until a permanent home can be found. All medical expenses for these animals are paid for by CCAL while they are in the foster home, so foster parents are not burdened with any vet bills and don't have to worry about what to do with the animal when it's time to go back "up north."

Collier County Animal League, Inc. is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization registered in Collier County whose mission is to end unnecessary euthanasia in local animal shelters. All donations to CCAL are tax deductible.