Adopt A Senior Pet month gives new life to old dogs and cats

There's no truth to the saying that you can't teach old dogs new tricks, but there is lots of truth to the idea that old dogs are wonderful to adopt.

November is Adopt A Senior Pet month, and to mark it so to speak the Edmonton AM studio was visited by Lacey, a 12-year-old Shih-Tzu mix from the Edmonton Humane Society, as well as Jamey Blair, the society's manager of animal health and protection, and volunteer Sean Beech.

As Lacey bestowed kisses on her handlers, Blair told host Mark Connolly there are many advantages to adopting a senior pet, including that the animal is already house-trained and their behaviour is established.

"A dog like Lacey, she's already got her personality to her and you know what you're getting,' Blair said, "whereas with a young puppy or kitten, they may change as they grow older."

The Edmonton Humane Society defines a senior pet as anything over seven years old,though theymay act much younger, depending on the breed.

Blair said most will have special needs, such as dental issues or dietary requirements. They arrive at the society in a number of ways, including being surrendered by owners who can no longer look after them.

• 100 kittens whiskered away to furever homes in Edmonton
• Kitten-tossing driver turns herself in to Wetaskiwin RCMP

Blair said it usually does take longer for these animals to be placed in homes. The International Adopt A Senior Pet month is aimed at highlighting the advantages of bringing home an older dogand cats.

Beach had heard from many potential adoptees who are specifically looking for the calm nature of an older animal.

"Older dogs are absolutely wonderful," he said. "Lacey will sit in your lap and fall asleep. If you have a book, (you can)sit there for hours."

People interested in adopting pets should start by looking at the shelter's adoptable animals featured on the website, or head to Edmonton Humane Society, 13620 163rd St., and tour the pet gallery.

"Lacey still has lots of love to give and lots of life to keep going with," Blair said.

"People quite often think they might not get as much time with their older animal, which is sometimestrue. But being able to offer them a home can be so rewarding for the animal and the family."

Listen toEdmonton AMwith hostMark Connolly, weekday mornings at CBC Radio One, 93.9 FM in Edmonton. Follow the morning crew on Twitter@EdmAMCBC.

Companionship, also a knowledge that an older dog, rescue, is in a tough place. They need your help and a home. A rescue brings you a richer character, that builds a stronger bond between you and the dog.

—@DALeskiw