Why is it some animals linger longer in local shelters? Are they bad? Unworthy? Unwanted? Usually, their case is a simple one, they are overlooked. What catches your eye when you first enter a shelter? Why the cute puppy of course, or the tiny mewing kitten. Your heart surges, you want to save this tiny creature from a life in the shelter! What a noble cause!!
Meanwhile, from the corner, watches an old hunting dog. He doesn't bark, he doesn't whine, he sits up. His tail wags, sweeping a clean half moon on the floor. Dark, dusky red, or maybe solid black. He's four. His owner passed away and no one could take him in. Brought to the shelter, the staff thought for sure he'd go quick. House trained, well behaved, good natured, he's sure to find a home, right? But a month goes by, maybe more, and another family goes by with a cute young pup. Red stops sitting up, mostly just looks up, eyes following each little boy who never looks back. But his tail never stops wagging, he always has a wag, just in case, just in case. If Red's lucky this is a no kill shelter, and here in his little kennel he'll stay. Is he so lucky? Is this a life? and if the shelter runs out of room? or he only gets his 90 days....
Dogs, cats, rabbits, Old Timers, there is one or two in every shelter. Over looked, because they are the wrong color, to big, to small or just to old.
If you are looking for a pet, before you go to the shelter, or contact a rescue, a few things to consider... wouldn't it be great to have a pet already house trained? Maybe the cat already knows it's litter box. Or this dog knows sit, stay, and fetch. No all night puppy whining. Perhaps already spayed or neutered, cats declawed even! All of these great advantages come from taking in an older pet. Sure, they may already come with a name you didn't pick out. But they also come with a personality! Foster families can tell you about their likes and dislikes. Shelter workers can rejoice that you asked to take home that one!
So on your next visit to the shelter, don't head right back to the kennel, looking for the cutest one. Stop first at the desk, ask staff "Can you show me your oldest dog/cat? or the dog/cat that has been here the longest?" Look only at that one, forget what you might expect, find the unexpected. Maybe this old dog is your new best friend.
And if you are not able to adopt, but volunteer at a shelter, make a point to find out which pets have been there the longest. Give them some extra love, or a little longer walk. Or make a donation to the spay / neuter of that pet, giving them a better chance at adoption. Another option is to donate a gift certificate to obedience classes for the new family of that pet. Obedience classes are a great way for a family to bond with a new pet, even one already well trained.
Remember, even an old dog can learn new tricks... but only if you give them a chance...
