HELPING GIVE EVERY PET A HOME
Our practice works with families and service providers at the end of one life’s chapter, and we do everything we can to make that time easier and as graceful as it can be. However, we also want to be a part of the story of a family bringing in a new companion to their household. Even more, we want to help promote the adoption of adult and rescue pets.
When considering the adoption of a pet, the majority of people first (and sometimes only) consider very young and adolescent dogs and cats. Of course there is nothing wrong with adopting a puppy or kitten in to your family – nevertheless, the preference of choosing younger pets leaves a great many older and senior pets that are at risk for never finding a new home.
There are many great reasons to consider giving an adult dog a second chance at a life with a family such as your own:
- Senior pets at shelters need homes just as badly as younger dogs and cats. Many older animals were once owned and loved by someone. For whatever reason, they were given up and abandoned in a shelter and are in need of a home. Just like puppies and kittens, they make loyal and loving companions.
- Adopting an older animal may save its life. Many people are quick to adopt puppies and kittens, often overlooking companions over the age of five. Shelters are overcrowded and unfortunately, older animals are among the first to be euthanized if they aren’t adopted in a timely manner. By adopting a senior pet, you are not only providing it with a better life but are also saving it from being put down.
- Older pets are not necessarily “problems” as many tend to think. Mature animals lose their homes for a variety of reasons, usually having nothing to do with their behavior or temperament, but more due to the fact that their owners are unable to keep them for reasons including: the novelty of owning a pet wearing off, allergies, death of a guardian, a new baby, loss of a job, a move, change in work schedule, and various other lifestyle changes. These dogs and cats need homes just as badly as young adoptees do, and make wonderful household pets.
- Older dogs usually come trained and understand at least basic commands. Most older dogs are potty-trained and have mastered the basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “down.” Adopting an already-trained dog will save you a lot of time and energy that you’d normally have to dedicate towards training a young dog.
- You can teach an old dog new tricks. Dogs can be trained at any age and older dogs are just as smart as younger ones. Older dogs have a greater attention span than a puppy, which make them easier to train.
- Older dogs are calmer and less energetic than younger dogs. An adult dog has graduated from the puppy stage and has an established demeanor and temperament, which will give you an instant idea of how it will fit into your household. Older dogs have all their adult teeth and are out of the energetic puppy phase, which will result in less destruction to your home. Many of them do well with young children as they have a lower energy level and have possibly lived with them in their past homes.
- Older dogs make instant companions. Unlike a puppy, which requires leash training, etc. an older dog is ready to accompany you on a long walk and already knows how to play fetch. An adult dog will make a great workout partner, a loyal companion, and a late night snuggle buddy.
- Older cats are usually liter box trained, are typically calmer than kittens and are great for first time owners.
COMPANAH’S 1000 SECOND CHANCES CAMPAIGN
We are supporting the adoption of older pets by sponsoring an adult or rescued pet. For each family who chooses to have our practice handle the private cremation of their pet, we will donate toward the adoption fee. We believe that we will be able to participate in the adoption of 1,000 pets that may not otherwise be adopted – thus giving 1,000 second chances. We will also give the opportunity for every customer who purchases a memorial item to donate 10% toward this campaign.
We believe that we can give 1,000 adult pets a new home.
As we begin serving the public this fall, we will have a list of the agencies who promote the adoption of rescue dogs and older pets and place that here. More info to come.