“There are lots of positives to adopting a senior,” Neal said. “Puppies and kitten can take a lot of patience to train and figure out their personality. With older pets, what you see is pretty much what you get.”
Mari Lee Schwarzwalder, executive director of Warren County’s Humane Association, said the animal shelter has seen a steep increase in older pets — both cats and dogs — in the past six months. Many of these pets were left behind by families who had to move for new jobs or were forced to locate to smaller apartments that didn’t allow pets.
“It’s not usually their first choice to leave the pets,” Schwarzwalder said.
Such is the case for Hudson, a 7-year-old black Labrador mix whose family had to leave him behind when they left Lebanon for an out-of-state job. He is excitable and friendly, and also already housebroken and eager to show affection.
“Older pets have a tremendous amount of love to give,” Bertagna said. “This may sound silly, but they really do understand and appreciate being rescued.”
Neal said that older pets often are more mellow and require less strenuous exercise (in the case of dogs) to care for.
“They often make an easier transition to a new home than a puppy,” Neal said. “They enjoy easy living.”
The humane association is offering deals in adoption costs to attempt to find homes for their overload of senior animals. While puppies cost $125 to adopt, adult dogs cost $90. Kittens cost $45, while adults cats are $25. Each adoption includes a spay/neuter, a microchip, and a free vet check.
Callie, a 7-year-old red and brown cat, also is in need of a home. Neal said that unlike with kittens, Callie is relaxed and able to better go with the flow.
“Adult cats are more relaxed,” Bertagna said. “All they need is a sunbeam and a blanket to be happy.”
As Hudson and Callie show, the best trick any old pet can learn is how to love a new family.
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