November is Adopt A Senior Pet Month!
Shelters everywhere try to gain public awareness in bringing attention to the countless little souls hidden behind cage doors, possibly for the remainder of their lives.
High-kill shelters have no choice but to weed out the "undesirables" to make room for the "more adoptable hopefuls". No-kill shelters have no choice but to turn away newcomers if they don't have the room. The fate for those turned away is not always a happy ending. Those lucky enough to have a space in the shelter often languish behind a cage for months, putting them at risk for neurotic behavior due to being cooped up without stimulation.
Take a moment to read this very personal and touching statement from a young woman seeking to make a difference for those who cannot speak for themselves.
"Animals are humans in disguise." I will forever hold those words to be true, and anyone who adores their pets would probably agree. I have dogs that think they are in charge like cats, and I have had cats who beg like dogs. No matter the pet, I have learned to love and appreciate each animal's unique personality. I smile when I think how blessed I have been to grow up with animals and know what it feels like for another creature to fully depend on you.
Now I am not yet a mother, so I am taking a stab in the dark that
becoming a parent increases the awe when you become responsible for the
health and well-being of another person. At 24 years old and not yet a
parent, I can only talk about the joy, and believe me when I say it is
pure joy, that having a pet adds to my life. See this big guy here?
His name is Mozart, a 12 year
old yellow domestic short hair cat whom I rescued from a couple at my
church. This poor guy lived with one family for the first nine years of
his life and then was taken to the humane league. He spent the next 30
days confined to a crate until a couple at my church adopted him. Three years later, for whatever reason, he was losing his home and family once again.
I saw the post on Facebook and
my heart melted. You see, I grew up with animals; mom says there was a
cat in my crib when I came home from the hospital as a baby. As a child,
my time was often spent roughing around with the dogs or sleeping on
the couch with the kitties. Stray animals seem to be drawn to my
parents, and due to their loving hearts, their doors were always open
for new critters to join our household. Although owning 12 cats, two
dogs, a snake, fish, two chinchillas, a guinea pig, and chickens may
resemble a small zoo, which it often felt like, having so many pets
taught me a thing or two about responsibility and caring for someone
other than me.
When I moved into my grandmother's house to live while in graduate
school (MSW, May 2014!!!!), I no longer had a pet. As the schoolwork got
harder and my internships became more demanding, I was becoming more
and more depressed. I had difficulty sleeping, low to no energy,
frequent headaches, and little appetite; something needed to change.
When that post popped up on my news feed, I knew I needed that cat and he
needed me. After about a month from seeing the initial status, in my mind Mozart had
became my cat. My boyfriend and I picked him up and took him home.
After hiding under the bed for two hours, which is common for pets when they enter new territory, he started to play with some of the toys I had waiting for him. I was catching glimpses of this precious cat's personality and it was incredible.
At 12 years old, cats are often considered old. If you walk into a
humane society, older pets may receive a smile or pat on the head but too often are left behind for another day. Another day to wait and watch and hope. Nothing is wrong with them except for the fact that they are no longer little balls of cuteness. Most people are looking for
kittens and puppies, thinking it best not to take home "damaged goods". Sure, some pets come into the shelter because their owners complain of behavior problems. But too often, those problems weren't due to a quirk with the animal, but a misunderstanding of how animals think on the part of the pet owner. And also, too often, they lost their homes for the simple reason being they became an inconvenience, or getting older and perhaps high maintenance.
So what was the problem with my Mozart? I mean, just look at that face, look at those ears! 
It has been seven months
since Mozart came into my life, and we certainly share a bond. When I go
to work or school in the morning, he will watch me leave through the
blinds. When I return in the evening, he jumps from the chair and trots
into my room. He knows the sound of the treat bag and will come running
even when I accidentally tap it. He has taken chocolate chip cookies
right out of my hand and actually stolen pepperoni off my pizza.
DISCLAIMER: I know neither of those foods are good for cats, but it's too late
to stop him after it already happened!
Mozart loves to bathe in the
sunlight shining on the living room floor and enjoys every second he is
outside when I brush him on the porch. 
However, the thing about him that gets me the most is where he sleeps every night: curled up next to
my chest. 
I may not have a child, but I do have a pet that is dependent
on me to love and care for him. Whether Mozart had been a kitten, five,
10, 12, or even 14 years old, I still would have taken him.
He was the
change that I needed at this point in my life, and I am grateful for
it.
If you or someone you know is looking for a pet, please rescue
those in need of a home. Animals deserve love and a chance for a forever home. I can promise that their
love will be unconditional.
Don't forget about the older creatures too.
My Mozart is so full of love to share, and being he is still in great health, hopefully for years to come.
Adopt a
pet, save a life, and meet your new best friend.
One by one, they pass my cage,
Too old, too worn, too broken, no way.
Way past his time, he can't run and play.
Then they shake their heads slowly and go on their way. It seems I am not wanted anymore.
I once had a home, I once had a bed,
A place that was warm, and where I was fed. Now my muzzle is grey,
and my eyes slowly fail.Who wants a dog so old and so frail?
My family decided I didn't belong,
I got in their way, my attitude was wrong.
Whatever excuse they made in their head,
Can't justify how they left me for dead.
Now I sit in this cage, where day after day,
The younger dogs get adopted away.
When I had almost come to the end of my rope,
You saw my face, and I
finally had hope. You saw thru the grey, and the legs bent with age,
And felt I still had life beyond the cage.
You took me home, gave me food and a bed.
And shared your own pillow with my poor tired head.
We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low, You love me so dearly, you want me to know.
I may have lived most of my life with another,
But you outshine them with a love so much stronger..
And I promise to return all the love I can give,
To You, my dear person, as long as I live.
I may be with you for a week or for years,
We will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears..
And when the time comes that God deems I must leave,
I know you will cry and your heart, it will grieve.
And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new,
My thoughts and my heart will still be with you.
And I will brag to all who will hear,
Of the person who made my last days so dear..
