Wayne Pacelle: A Humane Nation | The Humane Society of the United States

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Wayne Pacelle: A Humane Nation | The Humane Society of the United States

Talk Back: Senior Pets

Posted: 02 Jan 2009 11:24 AM CST

A number of you were touched by last week's post on Granny Annie, the 3-legged

Boston Terrier whose story a fellow blog reader shared with me. Like Annie's

guardian, so many of us have had meaningful experiences with senior and

special-needs pets. Here are some of your comments:

I would also like to encourage those working with the elderly to help them

consider the future of the pet. It is difficult to discuss, but a good caregiver

can find a way. —Happy Camper

It is the older pets, even the abused ones, who look most for the owner to

return. They look through the gate, but just a bit behind you, to see if the

error has been corrected and you have brought help. My dream was to have a space

in my home for one older dog at a time to retire with grace. Living out the days

of their lives with dignity and if not the right owner, at least some one to

call their own. Finances have prevented that, but Hope Springs Eternal ! and

until such time as I can follow that path, I drive to the pound and love them

there. Keep up the good work, and we support and love your efforts. —Ardena

Perry

There is nothing in this world of animal rescue and well being as honorable as

adopting an older 4 legged friend. More than anything, they deserve the best ...

—Jonathan Gilbert

This is a great reminder to all that there is a loyal dog's heart inside, no

matter what the outside looks like. I have adopted older dogs, that for health

reasons, only made it a year with us. I hope it was the best year of their lives

and I know it was the really important part of their life story, the happy

ending they deserved. I volunteer with the Oldies But Goodies Cocker Spaniel

Rescue based in VA and MD. It was created for that very reason, for dogs like

Granny Annie. I am going to share this with my group and hope it helps others to

give an old dog a chance at a warm loving home. Thanks for the wonderful job you

do heading up the HSUS. —Lois Davis

I love this story!! That's something I've had on my heart for a while. I was

browsing through the local shelter's list of adoptable pets, and they had a few

special needs ones listed. I'm not able to have pets now, so it was wishful

thinking. But whenever I can have pets, I want two cats, regardless of age, but

if I ever get a dog, it will be senior or special needs. I'm not a dog person,

but they are the ones that have a special place in my heart. —Nione Almie

How ironic that I opened up the blog tonight and saw the subject and story on

senior dogs. I am about to euthanize my 13.75 yr. old greyhound due to incurable

and extensive orthopedic problems and thought today, " I'm never adopting a

puppy. I think I'll foster a very old greyhound or a pitbull next. " Seniors are

the best, and they're great for us who want to give overlooked dogs some good,

loving years before they cross the Rainbow Bridge. I also have an 11 yr. old

greyhound, and I enjoy every minute of his funny ways. —Deedee D.

I'm in tears. Granny Annie has opened my eyes and heart in so many new and

beautiful ways. I honestly never thought about the older dogs who only hope to

find one special person who will love and care for them. Looks like Granny Annie

found her angel. —Pamela Bertsch

I want to thank you for writing this piece, it made me and my daughter cry.

When we go to shelters to visit the animals, we always spend extra time with the

animals that are obviously older and may not get the amount of attention that

the younger more attractive animals do. You are so sensitive to note that all

animals, no matter what they look like, have shining personalities that far out

weigh their outward appearance. We love all animals and it is really

heartbreaking to see any animal mistreated in ANY way, ignored or unloved. Thank

you for writing this wonderful piece. —Erlyn, Mark and Kaitlyn Garrison

What a beautiful, wonderful touching story! It definitely brought tears to my

eyes. Our cat, Summer, was rescued from two young boys that were putting her in

a pillow case. So my daughter's boyfriend at that time, rescued her and now she

has a wonderful safe home with us! She is deeply loved and I only hope that all

animals will be that loved some day. May God Bless all of you who rescue animals

and take care of them. All of you should be proud of yourselves! May, thank you

for taking in this BEAUTIFUL dog!! —Karen E Wagner

What a beautiful and selfless thing to do. I think people forget that animals

just like people are special and loving on the inside. However, animals show

their love and appreciation everyday where as humans get caught up in their

everyday lives and forget the simple things in life. —Lesley

Your story on the 3-legged Boston bull terrier tugged at my heart. Until I

read that you kept her, I knew we would take her. We have a house full of

previously unwanted and somewhat physically damaged pets. There could have been

room for one more.They are perfect on the inside and return overwhelming amounts

of affection for the little material sustainence we give them. Learning of the

good people like you that exist gives me hope that we can offset those many that

are not.You all have my best wishes this holiday season. —Arnie Fiergang

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy life and smile.