Turn What You Love into What You Do: Rescue a Senior Pet

My two previous blog segments featured the people and pets associated with animal rescue. The social side of capital told the story of Willie, an abandoned beagle, and the festival his family created in his memory. 

Last month’s segment  chronicled a group of animal lovers on a South Carolina island who took a plunge into the ocean (literally) to support animal rescue efforts. This month’s segment continues the animal rescue theme.

A Lonely Void
We like to think of retired Boomer life as one of excitement, always-on-the-go, travel, exploring new experiences and really living it up. That’s true for some Boomers. But for others, this stage of life can be very lonely. In many cases, the kids are gone and they may be living alone for any number of reasons. Their social life may have changed as a spouse, family members and friends have moved or passed away. Many times, they have spent their lives caring for others and that need may also be gone. Hardly a happy place to be. 

The Right Match
A popular solution to fill the void is to get a pet. Pets offer affection, unconditional love and companionship. This segment is focused on how to ensure the “right match” happens. The focus will be on dogs as they offer very practical benefits for retirees. They offer lots of comfort/companionship and in some cases safety/security.  Retirees can walk a dog for regular exercise. Also, walking a dog often results in meeting other dog walkers and soon friendships blossom which helps with socializing. It can feel therapeutic.

Awareness
Boomers have their hearts in the right place. But securing a pet at this stage of life requires  some homework to be sure everything works. Vetting and matching are more important than most Boomers think. It is important for Boomers to educate themselves on how to obtain that special pet. Some pet suppliers are more concerned about the right match than others. The right match will enable retirees to turn what they love into what they do. 

There are a few important points Boomers need to consider when adopting a pet. Like children, pets have various needs, especially puppies.  Feeding, exercise, grooming and bathroom needs head the list. Also, pets will need veterinarian visits, which can be expensive and require transportation. 

Boomers also need to be sure their pet is cared for in their absence. Someone will need to be “on call” as needed. Even an elaborate medical test or short hospital stay can leave a pet alone. Owners need to have someone available to assist during those times. Neighbors, family members, friends or others need to be available. Also, in recent years a number of dogsitting services have arrived. They can be a great backup when needed.

Consider a “Senior Pet”
A senior or mature pet can be a great match for a Boomer. Remember when the grandkids came to visit? Recall how exhausted you were after they left? It’s the same thing with a puppy. Puppies are great with all their energy, cuteness and spunk. But all that energy can be taxing. Puppies also need to be “house broken” which requires considerable time, attention, space and patience. Senior dogs are past that phase. 

Rescue Groups
There are many places to find a pet. A great place to locate a senior pet are animal shelters/rescues that are dedicated to finding the correct place for a pet. Rescue groups are serious about ensuring pets are properly placed. They will go to great lengths to be certain you have the best pet. They all have connections to veterinarians who want to assist in providing care for the pets. This ensures that any pet from a rescue is healthy. 

These groups are non-profits staffed by volunteers who love pets as much as you do. Their goal is about “adoption” rather than “purchase” — a big difference. Some have reduced fees for seniors who adopt senior dogs. Also, some rescue groups will accept a dog on return, if necessary. Be sure to ask about these when you call.

Sources and Resources
There are many sources for Boomers to adopt a pet. The five local organizations below are good examples. Their websites include extensive information and resources on the adoption process, adoption success stories and photos of pets to adopt. A phone number for each is listed. Call one… you will find a kind, compassionate and helpful person to talk with you about adopting a pet.  And there will be a special senior pet just waiting for you. Enjoy the companionship and all those walks. And “hi” to all your new dog friends. 

Pets for the Elderly 

petsfortheelderly.org/our-work/mission.php

Dogs and cats

480-625-4679

Rose’s Rescue 

rosesrescue.net/

Dogs and cats

330-850-7042

Rescue Village     

rescuevillage.org/about/

Barn animals, small animals, cats, dogs

440-338-4819

​Sanctuary for Senior Dogs

sanctuaryforseniordogs.org/id2.htm

Senior dogs

216-485-9233

Almost Home

almosthomeohio.org/senior-dog-programs

Emphasis on Collies and Shelties

614-374-1433

* Thanks to Karen Genske of Rose’s Rescue for her input on this segment.