I have 2 senior dogs living with me right now. Nikki is 17 years old. She is almost completely deaf, going blind and is clearly feeling the strain of her age on her bones. Mia is 13 years old. Much younger, but she has recently been plagued by a number of health issues, from dental issues to a lump on her leg. Both my girls now have a special diet, different from one another. They are happy girls, but no longer the wild, ageless beauties of earlier years. This year alone, I have spent over €2,000 on vet bills for them.
I am not new to caring for elderly dogs. I have been a foster for the better part of the last 30 years of my life. I am mostly a foster fail. In the last decade I have cared for 9 senior pets. From the moment I choose to bring one of these gentle souls home with me, I know they will stay forever, and I am ready for everything that entails.
The humble beginnings of a forever home for senior cats
This all started years ago. I can’t even place an exact year on this. I was at a vet with one of my cats waiting for our appointment. I had adopted this young, beautiful black cat from the streets just weeks before. But, he was already ill. My beautiful cat had the dreaded cancer. I didn’t know it when I entered the clinic, but I would not be bringing him home that day. Inoperable, the kindest thing to do was to let him fall asleep in my arms so the pain would never hurt him again. I was overcome with sadness that I was not able to save him. He was so young and so, so beautiful.
I arranged to bring him home to be buried in my garden. And as I waited for these arrangements, I noticed a man enter the clinic with a carrier. A cat lay in the box. Quiet. Eyes wide open. Clearly stressed by the noise, lights and all the movement of the box.
The man was ushered in to see the vet. Within a minute, I heard raised voices. I couldn’t make out what was being said, but the tone was grave. The man walked out of the clinic in a haste. He had the box in hand, but in his haste, the box hit the wall as he turned. Almost like he didn’t care. In the waiting room, we all watched with worry and disbelief at this carelessness.
The vet followed swiftly behind and was pointing at me. He called for the man to wait for a moment and the vet came over to me. He knew me well. I take all my pets to him. He knows I foster and he knows I care. So, knowing how devastated I was at having to say goodbye to my sweet, beautiful cat just moments before, he asked : “Would you be willing to take this cat?”, he asked, pointing at the box the careless man was carrying. “She’s an elderly cat. Probably 13 or 14. Has a number of bad teeth, matted hair and probably a urinary infection. Other than that, she’s fine. And I refuse to put her to sleep. It is against everything I worked for!”, he claimed.
There were 4 other people in the waiting room watching and hearing this.
“I will cover the costs”, exclaimed one lady sitting a few seats away from me. “I’ll help”, said another man a few seats behind me.
“No need.”, said our vet. “I will cover all costs of her treatment. We will bring her back to her healthy self.”
The man who entered with the box looked ashamed, but that didn’t change his mind. “My kids want a new kitten. They say this one smells. And she won’t even play with the kids.” Out of shame, I guess, he offered to leave €1,000 to cover all costs.
At first, you’d think the man wished to leave the cat for financial reasons. But this man had money. It wasn’t the money at all. He just wanted to dump the old cat to replace with a new, cute kitten for his kids. Alas!
To cut a longer story short, this elderly lady came home with me. I named her Dona Maria because she was a sweet, old lass with such a stunning pose. I fell in love with her immediately.
My vet lovingly treated this sweet lady for all her ailments. He fixed her teeth, we de-matted her hair, put her on a special diet and she regained her health. My vet said she had probably endured years of neglect and a poor diet.
She was with us for almost 6 years before she feel asleep one lazy Saturday afternoon on my boyfriend’s lap, and didn’t wake up again. We all loved her. We were sad when she passed, but we weren’t devastated. We were really, really proud and humbled that this gentle, old soul learned to trust us and gave us so much love for all those years. Her passing was a quiet, peaceful affair. No pain. No fear. Just a sudden silence. That was all.
From then on, my door has always been open to cats and dogs of all ages. I get that, for some people, it is too much to ask to fall in love with a senior cat or dog, only to realise how short their remaining lives are. It hurts. I understand it completely.
Each day, there are new puppies and kittens filling animal shelters who need to find a home. Bringing a young one home to grow up with the human kids is one of those experiences every kid should have. It is an honour, in my humble opinion, to share a home with other beings. Kids learn so much. I always find that kids are way more grounded and wholesome when they grow up in multi-species homes. Don’t you?
But, I have seen what abandonment does to an elderly pet. The confusion. The fear. It hurts so much to look into their tired eyes when they find themselves alone at their most vulnerable age. And despite this cruelty suffered, these elder beings are such gentle souls. I learn so much from each one of them. I am humbled by the experience of caring for them.
It’s not all roses, though. It is difficult. A senior pet is a heavy investment of time, of heart and of the wallet.
The experience of finding and caring for Dona Maria taught me a lot. It taught me that most humans are good humans. Of the 4 people in that waiting room watching this poor cat being abandoned by her family, 3 of them offered to help without hesitation. There are vets, I know, who will put a perfectly healthy animal to sleep if their legal “owner” asks for it. But my vet has a higher standard and refused to do it.
The raw reality, though, is that there are many, many, many people like that careless man out there. When a family pet starts showing age, they want to exchange them for a brand new puppy. Shelters are flooded with elderly pets and have a difficult time finding homes for them, since most people prefer to adopt younger animals. But, there are special humans who understand that adopting an elderly pet is to save a soul in their most vulnerable years. And that is an incredibly rewarding experience.
This month, I had a scare with one of my girls. We’re waiting on exam results to see what’s going on with her, but I find myself, again, preparing for whatever may come. I guess because I am more emotional than usual, I am also more sensitive to what I see on social media.
Maybe that’s why, I’ve recently noticed my timeline is flooded with posts of people adopting elderly animals. They shoot videos of the event. And the footage is a tear-jerker every time. I love them. And I’m not alone. Thousands of people like, follow and leave comments of support, love and gratitude for these kind people who chose an elderly dog rather than a puppy.
Then I noticed there’s tons more of these stories every day, it seems. Tons. What a fabulous trend, I thought to myself for a minute.
But, is it a fabulous trend? Or is it only a passing trend like all other trends? Is this a problem that is brewing? Or am I just being paranoid? I live with senior dogs. And I know, for a fact, that it is not all as rosy as social media “influencers” paint it. They are elderly animals. My 17 year-old is now deaf and almost completely blind. My 13 year-old is suddenly allergic to a number of food and needs a special diet for her kidneys to function properly. Neither of them are as energetic as before and this means longer walks and a much, much slower pace. I love my pets and will do everything for them. But, none of these social ninjas ever mention the two sides of adopting a senior animal. And I worry that people are falling for a trend that is too romanticised when reality is much more complicated.
I don’t mean to be negative or put anybody off from adopting a senior pet. But shouldn’t we be making sure that interested families know the reality of adopting a senior cat or dog?
Because, if things go wrong, it is the animal who suffers. Again!
Adopting a senior pet is so rewarding
Adopting a senior pet is so rewarding. But, there are challenges to consider.
For those special humans who wish to open their homes to a senior animal, here are some considerations :
Age-related health issues
Senior dogs may have age-related health issues that could require extra care and attention. It’s important to be prepared for the potential time and financial commitment that may come with caring for a senior dog with health issues.
Behavioural issues
Undesirable behaviours that have been picked up throughout the dog’s life may be harder to train him out of. It’s important to be patient and willing to work with a senior dog to help him overcome any behavioural issues.
Lifespan
Senior dogs have a shorter lifespan than younger dogs. It’s important to be prepared for the potential heartache of losing a pet sooner rather than later.
Compatibility with other pets and family members
It’s important to make sure that a senior dog is compatible with other pets and family members before adopting him. Many shelters and rescues will allow you to bring your other pets and family members to meet the dog before adopting him to ensure that everyone gets along.
Lifestyle and activity level
Senior dogs may have different activity levels and needs than younger dogs. It’s important to consider your own lifestyle and activity level when deciding if a senior dog is the right fit for you.
Here are some pros and cons of adopting a senior dog or elderly cat :
Pros of Adopting a Senior Dog or Cat
1. They are often already house-trained and know basic commands.
2. They are less likely to be destructive or have accidents in the house.
3. They are often calmer and more relaxed than younger pets.
4. They are less likely to need a lot of exercise.
5. They are so grateful for a loving home.
6. They are amazing, calm companions.
7. They can help teach children about responsibility and compassion.
8. Their gentle ways, help to reduce stress and anxiety.
9. They give unconditional love.
Cons of Adopting a Senior Dog or Cat
1. They may have health problems that require expensive care.
2. They may not be as active as younger pets.
3. They may not be as playful as younger pets.
4. They may not live as long as younger pets.
5. They may not be as adaptable to new homes or situations.
6. They may have been through trauma in their past that could affect their behavior.
7. They may not be as well-socialized as younger pets.
8. They may not be as trainable as younger pets.
9. They may not be as compatible with other pets or children.
10. They may not be suitable for people with active lifestyles.
11. They are likelier to suffer more if you travel a lot.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to adopt a senior dog or cat is a personal one. There are many factors to consider, such as your lifestyle, budget, and expectations. However, if you are willing to provide a loving home for an older pet, you can make a real difference in their life. And in your life.
If you are ready to adopt :
* Meet the pet in person to see if their personality is a good fit for your lifestyle.
* Ask about the pet’s health history.
* Be prepared to provide the pet with regular veterinary care.
* Be patient and understanding with the pet as they adjust to their new home.
Animals who are abandoned in shelters in their senior years often come from a life of neglect. How else can someone have the heart to abandon their family pet when they are most vulnerable? This means, undesirable behaviours that have been picked up throughout the dog’s life may be harder to train him out of.
When a pet starts to struggle with age, they need a lot of extra love and attention. Just like us humans. And the harsh reality is, they may not have too many years ahead of them.
I fear social media is not preparing people for this reality.
Having said all this, I have now fostered 9 senior cats and dogs in the last decade. Each one has left a mark on me. I am grateful that I had a moment in time with these gentle souls. I gave them love and cuddles and healthy food, a comfy bed and a safe space for them to live out their lives in peace in my small, sunny garden with my other elderlies. In return, I got so much love, so many cuddles, so many memories, even laughs. The challenges were there, but I felt such joy with every one of these sweet beings.
This is all I wish to transmit – there is power in compassion. When you bring a frail being into your home you will understand. In their golden years, these older souls will change your life and show the unconditional love that will reward you with an understanding of life and love that you may have never experienced before. Adopting a senior pet is an act of kindness and compassion. It is a humbling experience. A new lease on life. For you and for your pet.
KindBunch opens at the beginning of the year. If you are ready to open your home to a senior pet, keep an eye out on our Appeals Directory where animal rescues from all over the world will feature appeals of animals of all ages looking for a family.
