November 2021
Happy Thanksgiving & Adopt-a-Senior Pet Month!
November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month. Too often older dogs are abandoned in shelters not because they are bad dogs, but because their owners have passed away. Yet they still have a lot of love to give, plus, they usually have had some training.
This is how To Love a Canine Rescue was able to bring Nini and Kalini into the rescue from our shelter partner in Mississippi. Both are Labrador mixes, with Nini at 12 years old and Kalini at 10. Their human Mom passed away after a short battle with cancer. Their human Dad, diagnosed with terminal cancer as well, was placed into hospice care. For reasons unknown, their family was not able to take Nini and Kalini, and placed them in the county shelter.
Because of their age, arthritic joints, and no interest from potential adopters, the county shelter placed the dogs on the euthanasia list. When TLC saw these senior pups, the rescue knew they could be loved, and still had lots of love to give families in PA, so they were marked for transport to Pennsylvania!
Nini was adopted first by TLC fosters and volunteers Kasey and Mitch who already have a 5 year old Labrador. After having fostered many dogs for TLC, they decided it was time to adopt, and Nini was lucky enough to be that pup.
Kalini was adopted a couple of weeks later, also by her foster family. Jeri and Craig already have a 12 year old Labrador/Pit bull mix. After having Kalini for almost a month, they decided they couldn’t let her go.
Both Nini and Kalini are doing exceptionally well in their new homes. They are loving, happy, sweet, and active pups.
When considering adopting a dog into your family, think about the many advantages of adopting a senior dog:
1. Less destructive. Many older pets are well past the digging and chewing phase.
2. Have basic obedience training. Most older dogs settle into a new home easily – they’ve already learned what it takes to get along with others and to be a part of the “pack”.
3. Most senior dogs are housebroken. This eliminates one of the most frustrating aspects of bringing home a new dog.
4. You can teach an older dog new tricks. They are generally more attentive and eager to please than their younger counterparts.
5. You can adopt a purebred pet. You would be surprised how many adult pure breeds are looking for new homes.
6. Ideal for seniors. Many senior citizens benefit from the company of an older dog, because they are calmer, trained and need less exercise. They are content to move through life at a slower speed.
7. There’s no guessing. Adult dogs have reached their maximum size, shape and personality - what you see is what you get.
8. First Pet. If this is your first dog, or if you cannot devote the time necessary to train, socialize, and exercise a puppy properly, an adult dog could be a better option for you.
9. You’ll be a hero. Older pets seem to have an intrinsic sense that without you, they wouldn’t have a home.
Open your heart to a hard-to-place pet and help save the life of a senior dog!
