News From Terre Haute, Indiana

Valley Life

June 10, 2012

PAW PRINTS: Fall in love with an older pet

TERRE HAUTE — Almost everyone loves puppies and kittens. But, like human babies, they require an extensive commitment of time.

Most people are busy with work schedules and other obligations, and owning a young pet is sometimes not possible.

As people become aware of the advantages of owning an older pet, more adult animals are getting attention from adopters.

For instance, an older dog is a good pet for someone who works long hours; they don’t need as much stimulation or exercise as younger ones do.

Older dogs are typically already housebroken and are past the destructive chewing phase. Some dogs may have already had obedience training.

Potential adopters sometimes desire a puppy or kitten because they think it will bond better with the family or they want a pet to grow up with the kids.

Actually, the fact is that age at the time of adoption has little to do with forming that connection.

An adult pet is just as capable of being a loving and trusting companion and adult pets are sometimes more practical for families with children.

Young puppies and kittens tend to nip and claw playing rough, which sometimes can frighten small children. And young children can play too rough and hurt young animals. A mature pet that is good with kids can sometimes be the best option.

Keep in mind that puppies and kittens quickly grow into adults. And adults can be just as cute and playful as puppies and kittens. With young pets, it’s difficult to know how much they will grow or what they will look like.

With an adult pet, especially a dog, you will be able to choose the right size for your family and you will be able to know its personality and temperament.

Adopting an adult pet is giving a home to an animal that might otherwise be overlooked. It’s more difficult to find homes for older pets; therefore, they have a greater chance of being euthanized.

People are discovering that their “perfect pet” is not a puppy or kitten but an adult animal. You can teach an old dog new tricks.

“I have benefitted more from knowing and loving my old pets than I ever could have imagined. When I adopted my first older dog, I felt badly for her being in the adoption center at her age, and thought I was doing a good thing by bringing her home. Who was I kidding? Now I am filled with gratitude to her for sharing her appreciation for the little joys in life with me. I have learned many life lessons from knowing, loving, and being loved by these old souls” said Susan O’Kane, executive director at the Humane Society of Chittenden County in South Burlington, Vt.



• Zeke & Venus

Zeke and Venus were relinquished to the shelter along with another senior dog named Albert. The owner’s home was foreclosed on, leaving the three with no where to go. Albert was placed, but Venus and Zeke are bonded and inseparable. Venus, age 12, is Zeke’s mommy. Zeke is 11. All three dogs are positive for heartworms. The dogs are housebroken and still play ball and enjoy life. The Terre Haute Humane Shelter is looking for a hospice foster or a permanent home for the two to live out their lives. THHS will assist with medical costs. Consider these two when looking for devoted companions. Give us a call at (812) 232-0293.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Valley Life
Latest News
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
TribStar.com Poll
AP Video
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded Raw: Aerials Show Path of Oklahoma Destruction Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma Raw: Widespread Destruction in Moore, Okla. Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting Arias Tells Jury What She'd Do if She Gets Life Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God' First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister Raw: Aerial View of Moore Tornado Damage Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster Raw: Japan's WWII Atrocities Under Fire in Seoul Active Search for Utah Missing Mom Ends
NDN Video
Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal The Hangover Baby All Grown Up Olivia Munn Flaunts Her Bikini Bod Britney Spears Under Fire Once Again For Being A Bad Mom Arias Tells Jury What She'd Do if She Gets Life The all-new Xbox One RAW: Massive tornado strikes Oklahoma Nidal Hasan paid $278K while awaiting trial VIDEO: Teacher reunites mother and son after tornado levels elementary school in Oklahoma City Okla. tornado survivor finds dog buried alive under rubble Jennifer Lawrence Gets Naked and Painted Blue as X-Men's Mystique Pickler's Dance Moves Cause A Stir Obama to tornado survivors: The country stands beside you Reporter Cries Over Devastation Sneak Peek: 'Modern Family' Says Good Bye Trailer: 'The Last Stand' Available on Blu-ray Disc, DVD, Digital Download IWitness Look at Moore, OK Tornado RAW: Moore, OK tornado touches down near school Robert Pattinson Moves Out
Parade
Magazine

Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.
  • -

     

    March 12, 2010

activity
Real Estate News