Shelter seeks adoptions for older dogs

PONDERAY — This Valentine’s Day season, couples, singles and families alike are spreading some love by adopting a four-legged friend in need.

For many couples entering a more serious phase of their relationship, the addition of a dog or cat is a logical stepping stone in the path to white picket fences and kids underfoot. However, recent data indicates that there are some key advantages to adopting a pet rather than purchasing one. 

“Studies have shown that adopted pets have a higher chance of remaining in the home compared to those purchased at a pet store,” Panhandle Animal Shelter executive director Mandy Evans said.

It seems that many would-be pet owners have received the memo. Evans said Valentine’s Day week is off to a strong start with six adoptions occurring on Monday morning alone.

Even so, Panhandle Animal Shelter is aiming to increase their adoption rates, especially for older, fully-grown dogs. So-called senior dogs oftentimes have a hard time finding homes due to a pair of common misconceptions. First, some people believe that if an adult dog or cat has ended up in an animal shelter, it must have some personality defect, undesirable habits or bad history. In reality, most older dogs and cats in animal shelters landed there in the aftermath of a failed relationship or a move.

Other individuals seeking a pet are hesitant to adopt an older animal for fear of it passing too soon.

“A lot of people don’t want to want to adopt a dog or cat if they think they’ll only have a few years with it,” Evans said.

However, older animals bring their own set of advantages, too. For instance, puppies might be cute, but their endless energy and lack of training can be a bit much for some owners. Older dogs, on the other hand, often have settled down somewhat and fit into a new home easily. Many of them are housebroken, too, which certainly cuts down on the less pleasant aspects of new pet ownership.

In an effort to increase the adoption rates for older animals, Panhandle Animal Shelter officials offer a program called Seniors For Seniors. Individuals over 65 can adopt an older animal with all adoption fees waived.

In addition, Evans said the shelter hopes to implement a sponsorship program allowing shelter supporters to cover the adoption costs for people who want a pet but can’t afford the initial costs.

Regardless, Evans said statistics indicate that pet ownership brings along its own set of benefits, including lower blood pressure and cholesterol, better health, fewer instances of depression, better social skills, better self-esteem, fewer visits to the doctor and better grief management.

“There’s just something special about animals,” Evans said. “They bring along the kind of unconditional love that can change a person’s life.”