Puppies and kittens are undeniably cute, but older animals need homes, too, and they often make ideal companions. November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month, and it's a great time to consider some of the many benefits of adopting an "oldie but goodie" from an animal shelter:
• What you see is what you get. There are no mysteries about a senior animal's adult size, personality, energy level, or grooming needs.
• They know the ropes. Experienced animals are often pros at basic skills such as walking on a leash and sharpening their claws on a scratching post instead of on your couch.
• Less mess. Most adult animals are housetrained and well past the destructive chewing phase.
• They have social graces. Boisterous puppies and kittens may unintentionally annoy the dogs and cats who are already part of the family. Older animals learn and respect their boundaries more quickly.
• Ageless love. Like humans, animals form relationships throughout their lives. Rescued senior animals are usually eager to bond with their new families and are especially loyal to them.
To learn more about adopting, visit www.PETA.org.
Lindsay Pollard-Post
The PETA Foundation
