BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Adorable puppies and kittens are often the first to be taken home from animal shelters, but elder animals are not so lucky.
Older dogs and cats tend to be passed over for adoption because their younger counterparts steal the spotlight.
That's where Adopt a Senior Pet Month comes in, where every November animal shelters and organizations promote the adoption of older dogs and cats to loving homes.
While a puppy or kitten may seem more ideal to adopt, there are benefits to bringing home an older pet.
"More often than not, you know what you're getting behavior-wise," says Animal Rescue League of Boston spokesman Mike DeFina. "They're already developed in that regard. Most senior animals are house-trained, they know their basic commands, and they typically don't have the energy levels of a younger dog. They're gonna spend more time lounging, sitting, and just be comfortable with you."
DeFina also says that older animals just seem to know and appreciate when someone takes a chance on them.
"Age is just a number. There's plenty of senior animals out there that still have a lot of life left in them and a lot of love to give."
WBZ's Kim Tunnicliffe (@KimWBZ) reports.
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