46
Dec. 5 - Dec. 18, 2015
Opinion
www.SanTanSun.com
Community Commentary
Discrimination of the elderly extends to pets Too often, they never get November was Adopt that chance. a Senior Pet Month in Allow me to share some Maricopa County. It may of the great qualities and not be a surprise that a benefits, particularly for little age bias occurs in empty nesters, of adopting the animal world, too. a senior pet from one of our Senior pets are often the shelters. hardest to adopt. • O lder pets are often It often happens that less high maintenance. a great dog sporting a They’ve been through few grey or white hairs the rambunctious years. on its muzzle is often Most are housebroken Denny Barney. Submitted passed over for a playful photo and respond to simple puppy. The lounging cat commands. And yet they’re doesn’t hold the same attraction as still teachable. the energetic kittens climbing all over • T he more mature dog will walk each other. We are often drawn to the alongside you at a steady pace, not younger, feistier animals and ignore race ahead of you dragging you along the mature and equally loving. That’s a uncomfortably as you strain to keep shame. It’s a loss for the animals—but them leashed. also for many whose lives would be • O lder pets are already fully grown. enhanced by a loving, loyal companion. You see what you get and there are These older pets need help finding usually few surprises. homes to live out their golden years. Many resources and benefits are Many of them find themselves at available to those adopting senior pets one of our shelters through no fault here in Maricopa County. Dogs older of their own. In some cases, the than 5 are only $20 to adopt. For cats owner has relocated and is unable more than a year old, the adoption to keep them, or regrettably, they fees are waived. Veterans also have find themselves alone when their the benefit of waived adoption fees owner has passed away or developed through the “Pets and Vets” program. a medical condition. These animals Our Maricopa County Animal Care & get transitioned over to one of Control volunteers and staff can help our adoption facilities, where they you find the perfect pet and answer patiently wait for someone to love. any questions you may have when
BY DENNY BARNEY
looking for your new furry friend. If you are looking for ways to get more involved, our newly implemented Adoption Ambassador Program allows volunteer ambassadors to foster difficult-to-place dogs, including seniors, until they can find permanent homes. Ambassadors are in charge of marketing and handling adoption paperwork. In most cases, foster dogs will be in an ambassador’s care for an average of three to four weeks. This program simultaneously provides great
opportunities for senior dogs as well as creates more space in our shelters for other animals. This holiday season please consider adopting a senior pet and adding a companion to your life. Denny Barney is a Gilbert resident and a member of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.
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