Celebrating the golden years

Anyone who’s met me knows I’m an animal lover. Sure, I’m known for my adoration of cats, but I’m happy to give love and attention to any animal that’ll have me. One thing I always love seeing online are stories about senior cats and dogs finally getting their forever homes.

While of course every pet deserves a home, it’s the senior ones that really tug at my heartstrings. The animals deserve to feel loved and protected in their final years. It breaks my heart to know there are animals that have passed on while still in shelters.

This is not to say shelters aren’t taking proper care of these animals. They certainly are, it just isn’t the same as having a place to call home. Many people fear adopting a senior animal, as the heartbreak of death comes much sooner than with younger animals. However, I feel it’s more important to provide happiness for these animals before they cross the rainbow bridge.

The Creston Animal Rescue Effort and Dog Gone Rescue both have hosted senior pets before, though only Dog Done Rescue has any ready for adoption at the moment.

Mabel is a senior Chihuahua, guessed to be about 10 years old. Coming to Dog Gone as a stray, she has a number of old injures that are being taken care of, including an upcoming leg amputation and the extraction of most of her remaining teeth. Despite all this, Mabel still seems to love life.

According to the rescue, “Mabel is the definition of sweet, gets along great with kiddos, other dogs, cats...really anyone she meets falls in love with this little girl! She’s extremely affectionate and gentle, loves to cuddle; she’ll make such a wonderful companion.”

Bailey Ray is a 7-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, who is looking for a home after the death of her pet parent. This young senior is described as sassy and loves to shadow people. Bailey Ray gets along with other dogs and cats, but can be a little nervous around younger children, sometimes nipping if not properly introduced. And once you get to know her, she’s a big cuddler!

More information on Mabel and Bailey Ray can be found by contacting janel@doggonerescue.com.

While there aren’t more senior pets in town waiting on adoption, there are still plenty of adult animals that have a harder time getting adopted as well. People often overlook adults, going for the kittens and puppies instead.

At Dog Gone Rescue, there are eight adult animals, including three cats and five dogs, that are available for adoption. Seven of these animals have been waiting for over a month, many likely much longer.

Creston Animal Rescue Effort currently has six animals available for adoption. They have two adult cats and two adult dogs waiting for homes.

Along with the animals already available, there are many more that come through the rescue doors that have to be sent to Des Moines shelters, simply because there isn’t room in Creston. Even if you aren’t able to provide the older darlings a permanent home, try looking into fostering them instead. This provides more room in the shelters and helps give the animals more one-on-one attention.

Even if fostering isn’t possible, the shelters could always use help, whether it be from monetary donations or volunteering time.