Seniors for Seniors - Cat AdoptionJuneau Animal Rescue will WAIVE the adoption fee for anyone 62 years of age or older who wishes to adopt a cat 10 years of age of older.
You are never too old to find a new friend! Contact Juneau Animal Rescue at 789-0260 for more information on this program. Please spread the word about this adoption option for seniors. |
Take a look at this wonderful piece on Senior Animals, written by volunteer and Board Member Kerry Howard.
It is a fact of life: all living things get older. Yet, regardless of age, the one thing we all can benefit from is love, understanding and companionship. Sadly, some older animals suddenly find themselves alone and in strange surroundings. For various reasons—owner health issues, death of the owner, and other life changes—older animals are sometimes relinquished to local humane societies. While most shelters will do whatever they reasonably can to help these animals find new homes, it often can be a difficult placement.
Why? In short, kittens and puppies are irresistible! Some people will only consider acquiring a young animal. Others simply prefer younger dogs and cats. It is just harder for older animals to compete in a shelter that is full of animals. However, the benefits of older animals are tremendous. Mature animals are definitely worth a second look, and they certainly deserve a second chance! Here are just a few reasons why.
Seniors love other seniors. If you are getting older yourself, consider an older pet. Many people find the calm presence of an older animal very comforting. An animal provides companionship, nonjudgmental love and affection, and they are there when their owners need them.
Just who is a “senior” anyhow? The answer varies but, in general, the cat equivalent of 60 human years is about 10 years, and the dog equivalent is about 9 years, depending on breed. Smaller dogs mature more slowly so become seniors later in life. Age is truly just a number, however, and each animal has its own story to tell.
It is a fact of life: all living things get older. Yet, regardless of age, the one thing we all can benefit from is love, understanding and companionship. Sadly, some older animals suddenly find themselves alone and in strange surroundings. For various reasons—owner health issues, death of the owner, and other life changes—older animals are sometimes relinquished to local humane societies. While most shelters will do whatever they reasonably can to help these animals find new homes, it often can be a difficult placement.
Why? In short, kittens and puppies are irresistible! Some people will only consider acquiring a young animal. Others simply prefer younger dogs and cats. It is just harder for older animals to compete in a shelter that is full of animals. However, the benefits of older animals are tremendous. Mature animals are definitely worth a second look, and they certainly deserve a second chance! Here are just a few reasons why.
- Older animals are already socialized. Most grown-up dogs and cats have spent years living with a family and are used to life with humans. Many older dogs, in particular, have received some obedience training and know simple commands. Older dogs also have a greater attention span than a puppy, which makes them easier to train, if needed. Most older animals are also already house-trained.
- What you see is what you get! A senior pet comes with their lifetime traits of size, color, personality, and health history. Although age brings uncertainty to all creatures, you basically know what your animal’s appearance and disposition are like.
- Older animals know how to relax. Mature dogs and cats have all the basics down and aren't full of wild energy to burn. Because you're not constantly chasing around or cleaning up after your older pet, you have a lot more time for finding fun things to do or just relaxing together.
- Older animals are grateful for your kindness. Somehow, older pets seem to know you gave them a home when no one else would. Many new owners quickly form a close bond with their senior dog or cat because the pet shows them a level of attention and devotion that is unique to older adopted animals. Most people who adopt older animals feel a special sense of pride and purpose in opening their hearts and homes to a hard-to-place pet. Doing a good thing really does make you feel good!
Seniors love other seniors. If you are getting older yourself, consider an older pet. Many people find the calm presence of an older animal very comforting. An animal provides companionship, nonjudgmental love and affection, and they are there when their owners need them.
Just who is a “senior” anyhow? The answer varies but, in general, the cat equivalent of 60 human years is about 10 years, and the dog equivalent is about 9 years, depending on breed. Smaller dogs mature more slowly so become seniors later in life. Age is truly just a number, however, and each animal has its own story to tell.
Just look at Sprite—a 14-year-old fluffy white cat, who found herself at Juneau Animal Rescue when her former owners relinquished her because they were moving. As sweet as her name suggests, Sprite is calm and gentle and gets along well with other cats, dogs, and children. Becky and Dan Corson adopted Sprite in June. An active family, they wanted “more feline energy” in their home, and personality was more important to them than age. They looked at several cats but fell the most in love with Sprite. She was friendly and content to sit on their laps, she wasn’t shy or skittish, and they thought she would be the perfect fit for their family. They were right! She is playful, comes running when she smells her favorite foods, is talkative when she wants attention, and is “full of surprises.” The Corson’s advice is don't be afraid to consider adopting a mature animal. It is just as easy to establish a meaningful relationship with a mature animal, and cats (and dogs) of all ages have different personalities and lots of love to give. Be willing to take the time to meet several before deciding which one is the right fit for you. Getting to know a new animal, regardless of its age, is such a blast!
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Just look at Sophie—an almost 11-year old lovable Lhasa Apso/Shih Tzu mix, who found herself back at Juneau Animal Rescue for the third time. Her first owner relinquished her to JAR in 2014, and she was re-adopted. Her second owners again relinquished her in 2015, stating that she was incompatible with children. Amanda Pilley and Daryl Mestas adopted Sophie this past summer. So why did they adopt her? Amanda answers easily, “Senior dogs have already been around the block. They're typically less work, as far as training is concerned, they're calmer, and they're less likely to chew up your furniture. They will still love you the same, if not more. They're just as cute as any pup. Do they have their own baggage? Yes. Any shelter dog is going to have baggage. It comes with the territory. Lastly, every pup will become a senior one day. Age is just a number. Do yourself the favor and take the leap.”
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Just look at Carmine—a 16-year old black and white cat that Juneau Animal Rescue staff dubbed, “the sweetest cat ever.” Unfortunately, Carmine’s luck seemed to be running out when in late 2014 he was relinquished to JAR for the fourth time. He was originally adopted in 1999, only to be relinquished and once again readopted in 2005, 2008, and 2014. A distinguished senior gentleman, he is an absolute pleasure to be around. Calm and friendly, he is as mellow as they come. Enter Sophie Lager and Michael Partlow in July 2015, and Carmine’s luck returned! They went to JAR to look for “the right cat.” Age wasn’t a factor in their decision, and immediately after meeting Carmine, they knew he was “the one.” Right away, he was really friendly and interacted well with them. Since they don’t have kids or other pets, they also knew they would have the time and resources to give him a good forever home. They realized that by adopting an older animal, they might have more vet bills sooner rather than later but, as Sophie says, “we also have just as much love to give him and maybe more, and that is invaluable.”
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Adopting an animal is a major commitment, but the rewards it offers are huge. Adoption is a wonderful gift that you can give both to yourself and an animal in need. If you are thinking about adopting, please consider a mature animal. Your new pet will give you love and companionship for the rest of its life, no matter how long that may be, and you will be giving a forever home to an animal in need. To see all the animals that are currently available for adoption at JAR drop by the shelter or see our adoptable pets HERE.