Tully was 12-years-old when she entered a shelter. She’s now in a loving home.

I love November because it is the month for one of my favorite pet events …. National Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month! I love senior pets for so many reasons, including having 3 senior cats in my home and heart right now. But I am also the most sad when I see a senior pet lose a home and enter a shelter.

Just this morning I posted a 9-year-old cat named Skeeters on Petfinder whose owner suddenly passed away and now she needs to find a new home. Having volunteered in shelters for the past 13 years, most adopters want kittens and puppies and overlook the wise and established pets. When I think to the cats that I have fostered over the years, it has usually been a senior pet that was not thriving in a shelter (or simply ran out of time). This is how my Jacob came in to my life a few months ago (and he’s estimated to be around 10-years-old). It  is always the senior pets who get sick from the stress of being in a shelter and from the trauma of losing their home and family, and they suffer unbearable grief and saddness because the life they once had is gone. I have always said that kittens and puppies are happy no matter what and can adapt to any setting, but senior pets mourn the loss of the people and homes that they loved and often don’t survive.

Here are 10 great reasons to adopt a senior pet (from Petfinder.com):

So if you are considering bringing a new pet in to your home, consider adopting a senior pet. Or if you can, offer to foster a senior pet until a home is found. You will receive so much love and appreciation in return and will know that you truly saved a life. So on that note, I want to leave you with this lovely poem (at the bottom of the page). If you have adopted or fostered a senior pet, please share their story and their photo on my Facebook page. I love happy endings!

All my best,

Allie and my new senior kitty Jacob

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“This Old Cat” by KC Sievert Bingamon

I’m getting on in years, My coat is turning gray. My eyes have lost their luster, My hearing’s just okay. I spend my day dreaming Of conquests in my past, Lying near a sunny window Waiting for its warm repast.

I remember our first visit, I was coming to you free, Hoping you would take me in And keep me company. I wasn’t young or handsome, Two years I’d roamed the street. There were scars upon my face, I hobbled on my feet.

I could sense your disappointment As I left my prison cage. Oh, I hoped you would accept me And look beyond my age. You took me out of pity, I accepted without shame. Then you grew to love me, And I admit the same.

I have shared with you your laughter, You have wet my fur with tears. We’ve come to know each other Throughout these many years. Just one more hug this morning Before you drive away, And know I’ll think about you Throughout your busy day.

The time we’ve left together Is a treasured time at that. My heart is yours forever. I Promise – This old cat.