Thinking of adopting a pet? Think about a senior pet.

Birch needs our help to feel better!

Joan Funk is our guest blogger today a
nd this is Carson who she adopted as an older cat.

Thinking of adopting a cat or dog- for many people that means thinking about a kitten or puppy.  And oh yes they are cute and cuddly .  They also need time and patience to grow into the animals they can become. 

At the same time, is that the right match for you?  Do you want a high energy dog or one that is ready for a walk around the block followed by a nap?

Over the years I have adopted cats from age 6 months to 10 years and a 9 month old dog. 

I’ve learned that there are many benefits of adopting an older animal:

•  Although they have had a hard life  (or many because of it), they are grateful for a warm home with caring people to love them. 
• They have lots of love to give.
• Their personalities are already developed- you’ll know if they will fit into your household.
• They know the basics- going in the litter box- going outside, etc.
• You will know what size animal you are getting- ( not that 10 lb puppy who grows into a 110 lb adult dog)
•  An older animal may fit better with your physical lifestyle- if you are not wanting to go on a 2 mile run with your dog- then an older dog might work better for you.

Senior animals are the hardest to adopt- so you know that you have truly saved a life.  There is just something about knowing you have given an animal a wonderful life and they have given you so much love.

I adopted Carson from FOR when he was 10 years old- he had had a tough life and if it hadn’t been for some truly wonderful FOR volunteers he wouldn’t have made it. 

Carson came into my life and as with most cats, shaped my world to fit his wants.   It didn’t take too long before he decided where he was going to hang-out—he picked the best room in the house.  He is totally deaf and let me know that he really preferred to have his own space without the other 4-legged family members.  So now he has the best room with the bay window, cushy chairs, and cat tree, just to himself.  Since he can’t hear the vacuum, he actually likes to rub his face on the vacuum attachments- and even likes to be vacuumed! 

 He is a little bow-legged and wobbles sometimes.  I’m not going to kid you- his vet, medicine, and special food cost more than the other cats upkeep.   But every time he jumps into my lap and smashes his face into mine- its worth it.


(Special thanks to Mayra Martinez who took these pictures of Carson.)

Birch may look like he has a great smile here but...

Birch is a VERY handsome older gentleman that landed in the shelter for unknown reasons. The word gentleman truly describes him as he is just as perfect and sweet as can be. 

Unfortunately while Birch looked like a cute young very adoptable puppy at first glance he is in fact not. He is around 7 years old, has TERRIBLE painful teeth, and double luxating patellas. What does that mean? Well basically the poor guy is in a lot of pain. One of his knees is so bad that you can literally watch it pop in and out of place as he walks.

 Luckily on the first day of fall this year Birch found himself in a friends of rescue foster home. He will now get the surgery that he needs as well as a dental for his rotten, painful teeth. We will have to replace both knees essentially at separate times and he will also have to have a neuter/dental surgery. Did we mention that this little guy also came to us with pneumonia? 

Most rescues never would have had the money to give this boy a second glance but we couldn't look away. We hope that you won't either and that you will help us raise the money for his surgeries. We ideally need to raise $1700 for Birch. Each leg surgery will be $750 and his dental/neuter will cost a minimum of $200. These are discounted rescue rates but we definitely need your help to continue to take on cases like this. Lets give Birch a chance at a pain free life. 

 Be part of  Bringing Birch Relief  clicking on this link.

If you would like to contribute a story to the FOR blog, please mail the contents along with an image or two to blog@forrescue.net


 At the end of 2014 individuals who submitted content for the FOR blog will be entered in a drawing for a free pet portrait.