| The number of abandoned animals put to sleep | | | | sad old Beagle, on the other hand, is probably just |
| every year is staggering. The lowest end estimate is | | | | one day away from death unless somebody saves |
| approximately 340 animals put to sleep every hour in | | | | her. Won't you be that person? |
| shelters. It should go without saying that prospective | | | | If you are hesitant because you assume there may |
| pet owners should always opt for adoption of these | | | | be increased cost associated with an older pet in |
| desperate and loving animals rather than purchasing | | | | terms of veterinary expenses, there are two things |
| their pets from breeders. If you're already inclined to | | | | to consider. First, some animal rescues offer to |
| save a life, wonderful! But, why not take things a | | | | absorb some of those costs for you. By adopting |
| step further and consider adopting an older pet? | | | | your pet from a no-kill shelter or pet rescue, you |
| Puppies and kittens, though still very much in need of | | | | may be able to completely void this concern. |
| placement, tend to move out of detention and into | | | | In addition, if you add up the lifetime expense of |
| loving homes far more easily than their elderly | | | | owning a dog you will find you will spend considerably |
| counterparts. After all, who can resist those big | | | | more in food and veterinary care for a puppy than |
| puppy eyes? Young animals just ooze cute. | | | | you will in the comparatively short life of an adopted |
| Older animals don't fare as well. Though the number | | | | elderly pet. Those two considerations in mind should |
| fluctuates from year to year, an estimated 3-5 million | | | | reduce your concerns about expenses associated |
| animals are killed - a more accurate term than the | | | | with adopting and owning an older pet. |
| sterilized alternative of "euthanized" - every year in | | | | Your main focus should be need. As already |
| the US alone. Discounting illness, injury and aggression, | | | | mentioned, puppies and kittens are quickly adopted |
| the lion's share of those killed are the elderly. | | | | while older animals are not. The difference is |
| Many potential pet owners opt for younger animals | | | | between an animal that very much wants your |
| because they want to maximize the amount of time | | | | affection and an animal that desperately needs it. |
| they have to enjoy their pets. It is difficult logic to | | | | Need always trumps want in my book. |
| argue, but consider the term "short but sweet" when | | | | Our family has adopted two elderly rescues in the |
| presented with the opportunity to save a dog's life. | | | | past four years. Both filled our homes with joy, |
| Though an elderly pet may only be with you for 5 | | | | laughter, love and affection. They don't run as fast, |
| years rather than 15, those 5 years will be filled with | | | | they aren't as energetic, but their hearts are full of |
| tremendous love, affection and, yes, even gratitude. | | | | love and our lives are better for having them in it. |
| If you visit a shelter in search of a pet to adopt, | | | | Rescue an elderly pet today and I think you'll find |
| consider need. That cute kitten or puppy is probably | | | | you feel the same way. |
| just one or two visitors away from adoption. That | | | | |