Acquaintances come and go but pets are best friends forever. We recently lost one of our animal friends and it was devastating. You can’t replace a best friend, but we know from experience that welcoming a new life into our home will rekindle the missing spark.
We’ve reached the age now when taking on a kitten or a puppy (adorable as they are) is probably not a good idea. Does that mean that there is an age cut off for pet ownership? It would be a shame to think that because pets and older people are good for each other.
You might not want to take on a parrot or other animal that will outlive you, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t welcome someone into your home. So what is the alternative? Your local shelters and animal rescue programs are filled with middle aged and older pets needing a good home. Adopting a senior pet is a good idea if you are a senior yourself.
It is hard to resist a high energy kitten or puppy but are you physically up to the task of training and caring for one? Do you remember the hard work associated with the care and training of a little one? Scratching and chewing and potty training are bad enough, but young pets also require a lot of exercise. With a senior animal you bypass the teething and chewing, and isn’t it nice that older pets already understand what “no” means.
It is never too late to welcome a senior pet into your home. They are grateful for a home and are full of love, and more often than not will have no trouble fitting into your home routines at all. If you have your heart set on a particular breed you can find Rescue Programs for most breeds. If your requirements are more generic you can visit an animal shelter and bring a buddy home today. Think about a pet that is already trained and doesn’t chew or scratch everything in sight. An older dog will be more interested in a senior stroll than an aerobic workout, and an older kitty will be content to curl up in your lap rather than stalking a neighborhood bird feeder. Seniors need companionship whether animal or human. Seniors need each other.
Always evaluate your own particular lifestyle when deciding to welcome a new pet into your home. Senior animals are just as sweet, loveable and fun as their junior counterparts. Provide a comfy bed and a few little extras to cater to their needs, which are really no different that your own. A special diet, perhaps a few medications, a soft bed and periodic check-ups will do the trick. A ramp would be nice so that they can get up on the bed, sofa, or into the car (provided you allow your pet such privileges). Please don’t think that you are too old to have an animal friend in your life. A match made in heaven could be as close as your nearest animal shelter.
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