Older pets present you with a "what you see is what you get" - their personalities are developed and they know who they are. A kitten or puppy's personality is still unknown and you do not know what type of adult they will become.

They've gone through the kitten or puppy stage and therefore you'll not experience the chewing or curtain climbing stage as young ones are prone to do in their quest for great adventure. Older pets are typically calmer and more settled into life. Older pets, especially those who have once known it, appreciate love and attention and quickly learn what's expected of them to gain and keep that love and attention. Younger pets are like human children - they love the attention but don't stand in their way too long - playtime is the priority!

Older dogs who are offered for adoption by shelters or rescue agencies generally have had some training, both in obedience and house manners. Older cats and dogs have learned what "no" means and how to leave the furniture, carpets, shoes, and other "chewables" alone. (If they hadn't learned that, they wouldn't have gotten to be "older" dogs).

They have been "socialized" and learned what it takes to get along with humans and, in many cases, other dogs and cats, as well.

You can be sure of the pet's full size and over all appearance as an adult.

By adopting an older pet, we can make a statement about compassion and the value of all life at all ages, as well as register a protest against the indiscriminate and inhumane breeding of dogs and cats, whether it is for profit or to "teach the children about birth." And, of course, just as a puppy or kitten has its whole life ahead of them, so does an older pet have the rest of their life in front of them. You can give that older pet the best years of their life while at the same time bringing a wonderful addition into your family.

Another consideration is the larger goal of making the U.S. a "no-kill" nation. By setting the example of adopting a pet who would be otherwise euthanized just because of their age, you can help create the climate that will enable the U.S. to attain that goal.There is another topic that comes up when considering the adoption of an older pet. The question goes something like this - 'well why would someone just relinquish a pet they've had for years? There certainly *must* be something wrong with him/her!'

The truth of the matter is that there is more than likely nothing wrong with the pet at all. Pets of all ages are relinquished for any number of reasons. The family may have discovered they no longer have time for a pet, they may have moved out of the country, the human guardian may have passed away, someone has developed an allergy to pet dander..the list goes on and on but you get the picture. Homeless pets are not homeless because there is anything wrong with them at all; they are simply victims of circumstance and dependent on humans to provide them with a home. Sometimes we fail miserably at doing something that was simply our responsibility.

The next time you are considering adding to your family, remember the older pets waiting quietly in their crates for someone to notice them.

Posted on SHARE Yahoo group 3/14/06