Second Chance: 10 Reasons to Adopt a Mature Pet

23 Jul Second Chance: 10 Reasons to Adopt a Mature Pet

Hi my name is Walter. My handle is due to my uncanny resemblance to a famous dog known for his rectal flatulence. But, let me assure you, the likeness stops there. No, my issue is simply that I am slightly more advanced in age, I like to say more mature than the other dogs here at Second Chance and therefore I tend to get overlooked for adoption. To prevent that, today’s Pet Column summarizes all the benefits to adopting the mature pet…

Walter

• What you see is what you get. Older animals have established their temperaments, growth, and coat length so you can usually tell if they are going to be a good fit for your family regarding “personality,” energy level, desired size and grooming requirements.
• Holding on. Mature dogs are typically house-trained and have better muscle control and ability to “hold it” longer (and on behalf of my mature feline friend Rucky, older cats are more devoted to a litter box than young ones…)
• Easy Peasy. Many mature pets arrive at the shelter having had some basic obedience training and understanding of how the world works and we seem to have more focus and willingness to learn new appropriate behaviors quicker than those crazy young ‘uns.
• Calm but strong. Mature animals are calmer, but still fun and active. Most dogs keep going strong until well into their teens, and cats can be active even into their 20’s, yet we don’t require as much attention and “redirection” as the wilder younger ones do.
• Experience matters. Many older animals have been in a home before and understand the workings of a house:that you don’t walk on tables and counters or through windows and the ceiling fan doesn’t eat us, etc.. And we get riding in a car: you don’t bark at all objects passing by the car, etc
• Reduced collateral damage. Older pets also often have enough experience to know that chew toys are for chewing on and not shoes, or you scratch on a scratching post rather than curtains and furniture.
• The Groomed Groomee. Typically older pets truly enjoy being brushed and pampered, while you’ll have a hard time getting a puppy or kitten to sit still long enough to be properly groomed.
• Cheaper with age. The cost of owning an older animal is less than owning a puppy or kitten, who require more vaccines and vet visits in the first year or so of their lives and are more prone to disease than older animals (as their immune systems are still developing).
• Mature pets wait longer. Many animals older than five years will stay in a shelter far longer than younger animals awaiting adoption, which is nonsensical as the seniors just have so much love to give and require very little in return.
• Wags & Purrs. Mature pets are forever grateful for being rescued while the younger ones don’t always get it…
• 

  Rucky

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue. Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles at least one, generally two of the many animals now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes. The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.

Ted Hoff & Mae

By the by, there is no better place to park your pup than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)