More Loveable . . . Not Less Adoptable!

Too often I hear about dogs and cats that are considered “less adoptable” due to their age, breed, perceived disability or even the color of their fur! Petfinder's “Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet-Week”, which is celebrated the last week of September, is actually on a continuous mission to change minds and misperceptions about homeless pets. I still find it difficult to wrap my mind around the fact that black cats are still considered less adoptable mainly due to superstition, and that black animals in general are considered 'unlucky'.  Hard to believe considering it’s 2014. I have shared my home with many black cats, and dogs, and other black animals, in addition to a variety of colorful and wonderful pets, for most of my 53 years on this planet. For me, personally, I think all animals are gifts from God, as well as incredibly intelligent sentient beings.  However, there is something especially alluring about dark fur and big green eyes, or blue eyes, or hazel eyes . . . something magical and mystical about these beautiful animals, which is why I tend to gravitate towards them.  Then it occurred to me that perhaps my readers may have a specific belief regarding “less adoptable” companion animals. If we all work together to share our stories about our pets and how amazing they are, regardless of perceived "imperfections" or "handicaps", I believe we can help dispel these myths and perhaps help increase the adoption rates of less fortunate animals who are in need of loving, forever homes.  If more potential adopters could see past the minor "imperfections", they could experience the delight of sharing their lives with pets that have so much love to give, and who show us their gratitude every single day.

Here are some of the categories of the pet population that are considered “less adoptable”, and the advantages of sharing your home with one or more of them:

www.Petfinder.com

Senior Pets

Kittens and puppies are adorable, but training can be labor intensive and not always ideal for people with busy schedules. When you adopt a senior pet, there are many advantages. There are no surprises with behavior issues or growth spurts . . . you know in advance what you’re getting. Senior pets generally have a longer attention span so often training is easier. In general, older felines are more patient with other pets and children in the household. And finally, senior companion animals are often a perfect match with senior citizens. The companionship of an older dog or cat can provide much needed friendship and interaction for seniors who live alone. I have started a foundation called Senior Pet Project, whose mission is to 'Keep Senior Pets in Forever Homes & Help Seniors Keep Thier Pets'.  Won't you please make a generous donation today? www.SeniorPetProject.org  ♥

Black Animals

Dark colored dogs and cats are much harder to place than their lighter colored counterparts. Yes, superstition plays a role when it comes to black cats. Actually, some shelters and rescues will not adopt out black cats during the Halloween season, for fear that some harm might come to them. However, there may be other factors that come into play. I recall an article I read awhile back stating that lighter colored animals stand out more in a crowd. So, when future pet parents go to a shelter to choose a pet, they see the lighter, more brightly colored pets first. The next time you find yourself looking to adopt, don’t forget to look very carefully at all of the animals because choosing the darkest pet could brighten your life for many years to come.

Misunderstood Breeds

American Pitbull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers and similar mixed breeds are often referred to as Pit Bulls. Many disreputable people have exploited Pit Bull types, training them to be aggressive and to fight. As a result, Pit Bulls top the list as the most euthanized dog in the country. Actually, these breeds are loyal and generally good with children. In the UK, they were known as “nanny” dogs in the 19th century. There are other misunderstood dog breeds that are harder to place including larger dogs like Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Chow Chows and others. In my capacity as an animal welfare & animal rights activist, adoption advocate, as well as fundraiser & awareness proponent, I have had a lot of personal experience with several of these breeds, and have nothing but positive things to report. The success stories regarding adoptions and the incredibly loving relationships pet parents have with these misunderstood dog breeds far outweigh the few unfortunate incidents that occur, and that are sensationalized by the media. Has anyone else noticed the pattern of demonizing a certain breed in each decade? In the '70s they blamed Dobermans, in the '80s they blamed German Shepherds, in the '90s they blamed Rottweilers. Now they blame the Pit Bull. When will they wake up to reality and blame the humans?

Medical Challenges

Finally, there are the dogs and cats with chronic medical problems, often as a result of abuse or misfortune. Some common disabilities include animals who are blind, deaf or may be missing a limb. In many cases, pets with disabilities are not harder to care for than those that are completely healthy. However, sometimes pet parents may need to devote more time, patience and veterinary care to these pets. Rest assured, medically-challenged companion animals can enjoy happy and fulfilling lives with the right families and they can give back so much more than they receive.

Senior Dog

If you have welcomed a “less adoptable” pet into your home and experienced the love and affection of these special animals, please help me spread the word.

* Portions of this article excerpted from the Life's Abundance Blog.