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CAPS CORNER
By Jennifer Williamson
Most people who come to CAPS looking to adopt a dog or cat are generally looking for a puppy or a kitten. Rare is it that adopters have in their minds to adopt an adult dog or cat; however, adult dogs and cats are our main "product." Yes, we do get kittens and puppies at different times of the year, but just as every "business" has its supply-and-demand seasons, we also experience times when we don't have kittens and puppies. Then puppies and kittens are born, and people start calling us to take in all their homeless kittens and puppies. When folks want to adopt puppies and kittens from a shelter, it is very noble. But what we want you to know is how many adult dogs and cats need a home and the benefits of adopting an older dog or cat compared to a puppy or kitten.
It is a common misconception that shelter dogs and cats are there because of something they did - messed on the carpet, bit someone, or something else not acceptable. The reality is most shelter dogs and cats are there because their owners simply couldn't keep the commitment of owning them. Generally, the reasons why people bring their dog or cat to a shelter are these:
• Moving and their new place doesn't allow pets
• Allergies have developed
• Domestic issues (separation, divorce)
• Owner has died
• New baby in the home
• Puppy or kitten no longer cute
On very few occasions, it is something that the dog or cat did on its own. But the sad part is that the animal is abandoned at the shelter, surely wondering when his family is coming back to get him. The good part is that when adopted to a new family, the dog or cat is very adaptable and will become part of a new pack with little effort. New positions in the pack will need to be established, but once that is done, it's smooth sailing.
Here are only a few reasons why we think that you should consider adopting an adult dog or cat this year or even for the holidays:
• The adult dog or cat is generally already housebroken, and with little effort, compared to housebreaking a puppy or kitten, the behavior is quickly remembered.
• The puppy-chewing and -nipping and the kitten "into everything" behavior is behind them.
• Older dogs and cats, especially those who have once known it, appreciate love and attention and quickly learn what's expected of them to gain and keep that love and attention.
• Older dogs and cats know how to let you finish the newspaper, sitting calmly next to you, while your workday stress flows away and your blood pressure lowers.
• Older dogs are also instant companions, ready for hiking, riding in the car, walking on leash, fetching, or whatever you want. Older cats are ready to just lie in your lap.
• Finally, older dogs and cats are a "known commodity." They are easy to assess for behavior and temperament, and you also don't have to guess how big they'll grow.
You're probably wondering about veterinarian bills for an older pet, but veterinary attention and medication are needed at all ages and may or may not be more costly for an older dog. Before you adopt a senior, be sure you get a health report from a veterinarian. That way, if you discover that the pet has a health problem, you can decide if you can make the needed financial commitment.
Most of this information was taken from the Web site www.srdogs.com/ Pages/adopt.html. It speaks volumes about why you should look at inviting a seasoned pet into your home this year.
Visit our Web site at www.capsnv.org to meet your next new "adult" best friend.
Jennifer Williamson is president of CAPS.
By Jennifer Williamson
Most people who come to CAPS looking to adopt a dog or cat are generally looking for a puppy or a kitten. Rare is it that adopters have in their minds to adopt an adult dog or cat; however, adult dogs and cats are our main "product." Yes, we do get kittens and puppies at different times of the year, but just as every "business" has its supply-and-demand seasons, we also experience times when we don't have kittens and puppies. Then puppies and kittens are born, and people start calling us to take in all their homeless kittens and puppies. When folks want to adopt puppies and kittens from a shelter, it is very noble. But what we want you to know is how many adult dogs and cats need a home and the benefits of adopting an older dog or cat compared to a puppy or kitten.
It is a common misconception that shelter dogs and cats are there because of something they did - messed on the carpet, bit someone, or something else not acceptable. The reality is most shelter dogs and cats are there because their owners simply couldn't keep the commitment of owning them. Generally, the reasons why people bring their dog or cat to a shelter are these:
• Moving and their new place doesn't allow pets
• Allergies have developed
• Domestic issues (separation, divorce)
• Owner has died
• New baby in the home
• Puppy or kitten no longer cute
On very few occasions, it is something that the dog or cat did on its own. But the sad part is that the animal is abandoned at the shelter, surely wondering when his family is coming back to get him. The good part is that when adopted to a new family, the dog or cat is very adaptable and will become part of a new pack with little effort. New positions in the pack will need to be established, but once that is done, it's smooth sailing.
Here are only a few reasons why we think that you should consider adopting an adult dog or cat this year or even for the holidays:
• The adult dog or cat is generally already housebroken, and with little effort, compared to housebreaking a puppy or kitten, the behavior is quickly remembered.
• The puppy-chewing and -nipping and the kitten "into everything" behavior is behind them.
• Older dogs and cats, especially those who have once known it, appreciate love and attention and quickly learn what's expected of them to gain and keep that love and attention.
• Older dogs and cats know how to let you finish the newspaper, sitting calmly next to you, while your workday stress flows away and your blood pressure lowers.
• Older dogs are also instant companions, ready for hiking, riding in the car, walking on leash, fetching, or whatever you want. Older cats are ready to just lie in your lap.
• Finally, older dogs and cats are a "known commodity." They are easy to assess for behavior and temperament, and you also don't have to guess how big they'll grow.
You're probably wondering about veterinarian bills for an older pet, but veterinary attention and medication are needed at all ages and may or may not be more costly for an older dog. Before you adopt a senior, be sure you get a health report from a veterinarian. That way, if you discover that the pet has a health problem, you can decide if you can make the needed financial commitment.
Most of this information was taken from the Web site www.srdogs.com/ Pages/adopt.html. It speaks volumes about why you should look at inviting a seasoned pet into your home this year.
Visit our Web site at www.capsnv.org to meet your next new "adult" best friend.
Jennifer Williamson is president of CAPS.
