By Brianna Hansen
As the weather cools and we start settling in for sweater season, there’s something extra comforting about cozying up with a pet, especially one who’s already mastered the art of relaxation. Senior pets may not get as much attention as bouncy puppies or playful kittens, but anyone who’s shared their home with an older animal knows they’re absolute treasures.
Older cats and dogs tend to come with a “what you see is what you get” charm. Their personalities are developed, their quirks well established, and most are already house-trained (many dogs are even leash- and crate-trained, too!). Simply put, they’re typically calmer and downright easier. They’ve outgrown the chaos stage, which means no midnight zoomies, no surprise messes, and no chewed-up shoes (you know, the exhausting stuff!).
What’s left is the best part: a loyal, loving companion who already knows the ropes and is more than ready to enjoy life’s quieter moments by your side, whether that’s a long walk through falling leaves, an afternoon napping in the sun, or an evening watching Netflix.
Still, many folks hesitate to adopt older animals, worrying about medical costs or how much time they’ll have together. Those are fair concerns … but the good news? Local shelters are ready to help! Humane Animal Partners and Faithful Friends (to name a few) offer low-cost veterinary care and vaccine clinics. Some shelters even offer financial resources for families in need, helping pet owners close the gap when unexpected or unmanageable expenses arise. Programs such as HAP’s Reggie’s Fund (for dogs) and Mooshi’s Fund (for cats) help keep beloved companions at home, making it easier for families to say “yes” to a senior pet without the fear of the unknown.
And here’s the kicker: adopting an older pet might just be one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll ever make. They seem to know they’ve been given a second chance, and they repay it with gratitude, affection, and a deep kind of love that’s truly hard to describe until you experience it. They remind us to slow down, appreciate the little things, and enjoy every moment … just what we all need this time of year!
Want to lend a hand to senior pets (and all the others still waiting for homes)? Mark your calendar for Movies on Tap on Thursday, November 20 at Penn Cinema on the Riverfront in Wilmington. The event benefits Humane Animal Partners and Faithful Friends, with two film favorites to choose from — Trading Places or Planes, Trains and Automobiles — plus signature cocktail tastings from Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Tickets are just $25, making it an affordable way to toast to the season of giving. Learn more at HumaneAnimalPartners.org.
– Look for the this month’s Humane Animal Partners (HAP) sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka featured adoptable pets in the print version of this month’s issue, linked here.
