The Seniors

Pixie is her name. A small, beautiful senior dog of nine years, with eyes that can melt even the coldest heart.

She arrived a few weeks ago at the shelter. Given her condition, we felt her life had not been easy. Her coat was dull, not soft and supple like it should be, and she was missing patches of hair on her belly. Her nails were curled and long and nearly grown into her pads. She needed some dental work, and her ears were infected. To top it off, she was very skinny and we could see the outline of her ribs through her fur.

Of course, we speculated about her circumstance and the conditions in which she had lived. We drew our own disturbing conclusions. I felt so sad for little Pixie. I wished I had a way to tell her she was safe now and that we would help her.

Pixie was recently placed with a foster family to help her heal. The placement also gave us a chance to learn more about her behavior, habits, and personality, so that we could let her new family know what to expect once they adopted her.

The things we’ve learned about Pixie are wonderful. She is good in a multiple dog and cat household. She has learned to play and actually initiates new games. Perhaps best of all, Pixie loves people and loves to cuddle.

We feel we have polished this little gem and she is almost ready to take on her new life with her forever family. So what is the catch? Well, Pixie is a bit on the older side. I am worried she’ll have trouble finding a family willing to welcome her to their home. I’m worried few will be willing to offer her the warmth and love she deserves in her remaining years and willingly take on the potential for additional medical expenses.

As I pondered this yesterday, I took a look at who was on the adoption floor and found that we have several senior pets available with potentially the same worry. One in particular caught my eye. Skore: a nearly 11 year old Labrador retriever. When I saw him on the floor I wished someone would accept his age and offer him the chance to live the rest of his life with a loving family.

To my joy and delight, my wish came true. Three hours after he was placed up for adoption, Skore, with his greying muzzle and puppy like attitude and all his pending medical problems, found his new family.

This makes me hopeful for older companion animals, knowing there are families that see the true value of a mature or even senior pet. Adopting older animals has many benefits, and many of these animals are nearly turn-key ready.

I say a huge thank you and congratulations to those of you who have welcomed an aging pet into your family.

I remain hopeful that little Pixie will find that family who will look past her age of nine and her potential future medical concerns, offering a warm lap for her to curl up with each and every night until her final days on this earth.