From the article: Adoption Resources - all about dog, cat and other pet adoptions
I write often about adopting a pet; finding homes for pets in shelters is an issue that is important to me. I am all for pre-adoption preparation, too. Nothing better than adoption success stories, but not all pets fit all lifestyles. Careful consideration must be given to the size, age, type and temperament of prospective pets. Waiting a little longer in a shelter is preferable to being adopted and returned again.
Some adoption organizations, such as the ASPCA, employ formal pet-people matching methods. Do these programs work? Was your family screened prior to adopting a pet? Are you too "old" to adopt? Where you pre-screened?
Depends . . .
- My first response was "it shouldn't matter, so many need adopting". But the more I think on it, well, maybe it should matter on a case to case basis. Is a 70 yr old person trying to adopt a 1 yr cat/dog? The odds say the human will probably either die first or have to enter assisted or nursing care while the pet is still alive with a years left. In this case perhaps further questions should be: Is there family or friends willing to take the responsibility? Have provisions been made? I don't feel it would benefit the animal to give a flat out rejection to the potential adopter. Another case would be an older person adopting an older animal. In this case they could perfect for each other. An older person should have more empathy for the pet's own old-age discomforts - one would hope. How many deserving older pets would love a warm bed, regular meals and human companionship. At 50 I wouldn't get another large parrot, but a middle age dog or cat? No qualms there.
- —Guest Dawnabyrd
Ability in Aged People
- I forgot to say that in the past year I have trapped and taken for spay/neuter/release over 40 cats in our City! Age 68, I didn't have any trouble--just watched out for heat! I live in Jacksonville, Florida Sylvia Vetter
- —Guest Sylvia Vetter
Never Too Old! People or Pets
- I am so happy to be able to respond to remarks about people "being too old to adopt"! Never! I just turned 68, I am on medications, but feel great, get about easily and I am a foster Mom for our local Animal Care! AND I have many cats myself and 2 dogs. Now my dear husband walks the dogs, maybe old ladies don't need that much work! LOL But, kitties are easier pets! My family fusses at me "What will we do if something happens to you or Bob?" Welll--some of my friends will adopt some and Humane Society will, and Animal CAC will adopt some! My babies are very "humanized" and would be easy to adopt into new homes! If one can "get about", take care of pets, maybe have a letter from their doctor that they are "able" why not let them adopt?? We sure have lots of love to give!!
- —Guest Sylvia Vetter
