The Humane Society of Adams County is currently experiencing a “senior moment.” Depending on the breed, dogs are considered to be “seniors” between the ages of 5 and 10 years old. Several of the dogs at the animal shelter in West Union are six years old or older. The Humane Society is trying to give these pooches a boost by promoting the benefits of older pets.
Who would pass up an adorable, bouncy puppy in order to take home an older dog? Consider the following facts. First, most older dogs are already housetrained. You can just skip over the messy potty training and leave the paper towels on the shelf. Second, older dogs are not teething like puppies, sparing you the expense of having to replace your favorite shoes. Third, contrary to popular belief, you can teach an old dog new tricks, and older dogs are actually easier to train because they are mellower and more focused than puppies. Fourth, what you see is what you get. Puppies can grow up to be quite different than what they seemed at first. An older dog has matured into its full adult size and temperament. No guesswork means more potential to make the right fit with a forever family.
Older dogs don’t make the kinds of demands on your time and attention that puppies and young dogs do. They don’t mind letting you sleep in on the weekends – they’ll probably be snoozing right along with you. And finally, older dogs are great at showing gratitude. They will give you their full devotion for the rest of their lives, letting you know every day that they are grateful that you gave them a second chance.
Here are some of the lonely older dogs waiting to be adopted at the Animal Shelter in West Union:
King is a seven-year-old Chow Chow mix with a majestic cinnamon-colored coat. Like most Chow Chows, King is sturdy, alert, and dignified. He is extremely friendly and loves to cuddle. King prefers to be the only canine in his future realm, but he would be willing to share his dynasty with a few cats. King has already been vaccinated, neutered, and micro-chipped. King can’t wait to find his forever home and meet a family who will give him lots of affection and devotion.
Wesley is a six-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier. He may look like a tough guy, but Wesley is actually a champion snuggler. Wesley is devoted to all people and adores children. Wesley is that rare sort of pooch whom a child can climb all over and hug. He’s very gentle and sweet around people. He’s not compatible with other animals. Wesley is already vaccinated, neutered, and micro-chipped. Wesley is full of energy and has many wonderful years of life to give to a special individual or family.
Skittles is a pretty tri-colored spaniel mix. She has been at the shelter since September of 2015. Skittles is six years old and is very outgoing. She loves long walks and adores people. In fact, Skittles is such an over-the-moon people-lover that she really can’t stand to share her family with other critters. Skittles is already vaccinated, spayed, and micro-chipped.
Hank is a four-legged Casanova. He is a black-and-tan mixed breed dog with a labrador build. He sits sadly in his kennel at the shelter until a person comes by, then he pours on the charm like warm honey on biscuits. Hank is such a devoted companion that he does not like to share his people with other dogs, but he is indifferent to cats – he’s pretty confident in his ability to out-compete felines. Hank is vaccinated, neutered, and micro-chipped. He is ready to shower a new family with dizzying love and loyalty.
Copper is a full-blooded Red Bone Coonhound. He entered the shelter in early January. He was a stray and in such poor condition that shelter staff could hardly believe he hadn’t died of exposure. Copper is shy when first getting to know new people, but he warms up with patience and is a very sweet boy. Considering how starved he was when he came in, Copper is understandably concerned about other animals as competition. He prefers to be the only four-legged member of the family. He takes eating seriously and appreciates being left completely alone until he finishes. Once the food is gone, Copper is ready for more snuggle time and love.
To adopt a pet from the Humane Society, you may apply in person at the Humane Society’s Animal Shelter in West Union or apply online at www.adamscountyanimals.org.
If you cannot adopt, consider sponsoring a homeless pet. Your sponsorship will help care for the animal while he/she is waiting for the perfect home. Each homeless pet’s needs vary, but they range from spaying or neutering to vaccinations, from special food to microchipping for permanent identification. Checks can be made to “HSAC” and sent to P.O. Box 245, West Union, OH 45693. Be sure to indicate your preferences on the memo line, such as “Sponsorship for Hank”.
