Old dog, new life: Adoptions of older pets urged

Jolie Gallagher and her husband were not looking to expand their pack when they spotted the black dog on an animal welfare organization’s Instagram page in March.

The friendly Australian shepherd mix, later renamed Cricket, was found as a stray and brought to the shelter.

Because of her age, 8-year- old Cricket would most likely not land at the top of many people’s list for adoption.

Rescue groups and shelters say older cats and dogs are usually the hardest to place because most people want younger pets. Older pets may be a bit grayer or not romp as much, but they can still add a lot to their owner’s life.

“When I found out she was a senior, there was no way I could leave her at the shelter,” said Gallagher.

Cricket was later diagnosed with arthritis but is doing well on medication. “The biggest thing I love about her is she is so calm and doesn’t require as much attention and training as a puppy. She was a ready-to-go dog. Senior dogs are so easy to incorporate into your lives, and you are giving them a safe place in their older years to be comfortable.”

Giving them companionship

Karen Hirsch, public relations director for LifeLine Animal Project, said people who open their homes to older pets “just have a special place in their hearts.”

Sometimes the older pets come in as strays. Perhaps they escaped, the owners felt they were too big, or they were abandoned because of the expense of keeping them. Some are dropped off at the shelter because the owner has died, or the owner has to move to a nursing home or assisted living facility that doesn’t allow animals.

Charlie Kleman is chairman of Atlanta Lab Rescue’s board in Georgia, and volunteers to transport dogs for the rescue.

Sometimes, his passengers are older dogs.

“By the time they’re 8 or 10 years old, they’re used to being around somebody,” he said. When they’re abandoned or lost or surrendered, “they’re so confused.”

They’re happy to get out of the shelters. “Half of the older ones will want to put their paws on my lap, and they can’t stop wagging their tails,” Kleman said.

Older cats and dogs can live full, healthy lives. Others, like people, experience health issues as they age, such as arthritis, heart, kidney and liver disease, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Giving them happiness

Lawson Thomas Chambers had a roommate before who had older dogs.

So in 2018 when Chambers decided to foster, they specifically looked for an elderly dog. Chambers “fell in love” with Akira, an older dog who had terminal cancer.

“I wanted to learn discipline and learn how to take care of a dog without necessarily caring for a puppy,” Chambers said. When Chambers first visited the shelter, they noticed Akira because while other dogs were barking, she remained quiet.

It was a 180-degree turnaround once Akira got home.

“She had a lot of personality. She was a loud, bold, stubborn woman,” Chambers said.

Although she was ill, they noticed that when Akira went for a walk, she had boundless energy. “She was a puppy until the day she died.”

Giving them health

Several years ago, Tim Gulley spotted several dogs outside a ramshackle house, but a Chihuahua stopped him cold.

“She looked pitiful out there,” said Gulley. The owner planned to put her down because she was old and sick. Gulley asked could he have her instead.

As best the vet could tell, she was between 12 and 14 years old. Her spine was severely damaged. Part of her jaw was missing, so her tongue protruded from her mouth. She was anemic, dehydrated, blind, and her tiny body was battling an infection. She weighed less than 2 pounds, low even for her small breed.

Today, the dog, named Nola, although still feeble, has outlived predictions. She shares a home with Gulley, his wife, Vickie, four other dogs and a cat, all senior rescues.

“The majority of people just want a pet,” said Gulley. “I wanted to take care of them. Seniors are the most neglected, and a lot of people don’t want to deal with them.”

“If we can get one dog adopted who needs it, wow, that would make a difference. They’ve brought me so much joy,” Gulley said

Michael San Filippo, a spokesman for the American Veterinary Medical Association, said that due to improved veterinary care and dietary habits, pets are living longer now than ever before.

“It’s important to remember that age is not a disease; good care allows our pets to live happy, healthy and active lives in their senior years.”

Life spans for pets

It’s difficult to say what the average life span of a dog is because it varies by size and breed, as well as other factors, such as whether the dog is spayed or neutered.

Chihuahuas, for example, have an average life span of about 15 years, compared to those of Great Danes, which is closer to 8 years.

Cats are a bit more consistent (in size and age range), with an average life expectancy of 15 years if they live indoors; outdoor cats have much shorter lifespans.

Source: American Veterinary Medical Association