Celebrating Senior Pets and The Shelters Who Make a Difference

Aging is a fact of life for both human and beast. Our society seems to focus on youth; retaining it and regaining it. But, the fact is, we cannot avoid it. And neither can our pets!

Sadly, our beloved pets age at a much faster rate than most of us, plunging them into a phase in life that becomes filled with a plethora of issues we may not have counted on. Just as we humans may experience as we age, our fur-kids will develop health problems such as arthritis, diabetes, cataracts, and dementia. It's so important to be prepared, both financially AND emotionally to deal with the impact these issues will have on our lives.

SENIOR ABANDONMENT: It's a thing!

Believe it or not, the rate of senior pet abandonment is at the highest rate ever.

How do they do it?  Gather up the leash, the food and water bowls, the snuggly teddy, and the "blankie" and say, "Come on pal, who wants to go for a car ride?". Or, worse yet, the monster who drives out to the country late a night and, with the car running, says, "OK boy, go fetch the ball!". Surely not, you say? But, let me assure you, it happens. There's also the softer "dump" and even sometimes, the heartbreaking-no-other-choice "dump". But, to the senior fur-kids, a dump's a dump!!!

Certainly, between the pandemic and our now floundering economy, the past 5 years have been an extraordinary chapter in history and I know that there isn't one of you out there who hasn't, in some way, been negatively affected by any or all of the events as they unfolded.  Sadly, I don't believe we're near the end just yet.

Unfortunately, the needs of others don't stop; especially during hard times.  And, that includes the care and maintenance of our dogs.  Surrendered, stray, abused, and abandoned dogs are still landing in shelters everywhere. In fact, there was a point during the pandemic -like a dream come true- that Canadian shelters were turning away would-be adopters because there weren't dogs available.  But, sadly, the reverse side of the story is now the trend. With tight budgets and difficult choices to make, the sad reality is that senior dogs, especially, are being dumped, surrendered, or in some cases, needlessly euthanized. 

My heart broke recently as I read the profile of a bonded pair of 12 year old cock-a-poos, who were dumped because of divorce.  The foster stated, "Having lived their entire lives as part of a busy family (pets and kids), a split sadly found them with no home at all."  WHY???  Or, just today, when our local shelter posted that, upon arrival this morning, they discovered a lactating momma tied to their door.  We can only surmise what's happened to her pups... I just sobbed as I read this sad story of severe neglect and abandonment! How totally UNFAIR!

HEARTACHE OVER HARD DECISIONS 

More recently, as our economy has begun to bottom out, families have been struggling to meet their day-to-day needs and many are actually finding themselves taking advantage of food bank services and other social assistance.  Regretfully however, instead of looking for similar supports for their pets, the decision to "dump" them is being made.  Shelters are, even now, overflowing with pets being surrendered on a daily basis.  Skyrocketing costs (and often costs that pet parents didn't anticipate would be required to care for an aging fur-kid) have forced families to surrender the pooch they welcomed to their families years ago.  

COMMUNITY SUPPORTS

But folks, here's the gist of my story.  You see, pet rescues everywhere are now working overtime to save hundreds of sweet souls from the despair of being abandoned;  providing the warm, loving, secure, and happy life they deserve for their remaining days.  Earlier this year, a number of local groups were forced to close "intake" temporarily due to a shortage of funds and foster families.  Is this a sign of what's to come?  More and more food banks for pets are popping up throughout the province and the country [ https://humanecanada.ca/en/nationalpetfoodbank ] as people recognize the need for assistance pet families require.  But, I don't think enough publicity or promotion is being done to reach those whose needs are greatest.  A number of veterinarians are offering to negotiate payment terms and, while not ideal, there are a couple of emergency vet care credit cards available that might help with a hit to a really tight budget.

WORLD DAY AGAINST THE ABANDONMENT OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS

In October, we recognized World Day Against the Abandonment of Domestic Animals. Education must be the first step when it comes to preventing the abandonment of pets.  By requiring potential pet parents to be fully aware of the commitment they are taking on when applying for an adoption, they are being thoroughly vetted for understanding the mechanics of physical care and training required, and are being clearly informed of the potential COSTS involved in caring for a fur-kid over the span of its life.  (Depending on the age, we can be talking many, many thousands of dollars!)  But, one step further; I believe that lists of social programs as described above (i.e. food bank, veterinary financial assistance plans, etc.) should also be provided in an effort to ensure that, should times get tough, there is no valid reason for dumping a fur-kid. Certainly, every reputable shelter or rescue makes it abundantly clear that they will take the animal back in dire circumstances.

PET RESCUES ARE FORMING ALMOST DAILY

If you follow any social media at all, you're likely to see dozens of pet rescues in your local area. I've noticed many new ones popping up over the past several months; many of them focusing on senior pets. What a heartbreaking trend to report. And, while there is never a good time to appeal for support International Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week -November 2 - 8th- feels like just the right one!  The hard times, like we're experiencing right now, are when it's even more important to pull together and sometimes we just have to be shameless (like I am right now) in backing a cause.  Together, we can make the twilight time of an aging, dumped off fur-kid happy and safe!  If you've the slightest inclination, even the tiniest donation will help make a a BIG difference to the lives of so many who've found themselves homeless at a time when love and security is more critical than ever.  Foster families and donations are always the most sought after support by rescue groups, but getting creative and coming up with other ways to offer support are always welcome.    

Want more information on how you can support a local pet rescue? Email me at LetsPawsToPray@gmail.com.

Are you a pet parent?  Visit my faith-based community www.PawsToPray.ca where you'll find lots of info, tips, recipes, downloadable freebies, and so much more.  You can also follow me at www.Facebook.com/PawsToPray and https://www.instagram.com/Sister_In_Prayer/