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Dickerson:: Give new life to a deserving Arizona pet for Adopt a Senior Pet Month

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At the Arizona Humane Society, we care for and love each and every one of the more than 15,000 sick, injured and abused pets that walk through our doors each year.

But, of course, we can’t help but have some that pull on our heartstrings just a tad bit more than others … this includes our beloved senior pets.

Often with adorably distinguished gray muzzles and a slightly slower gait than before, we can’t help but root extra hard for these furry babies as they wait patiently for the perfect home to spend their golden years in.

Although we love them year-round, November is an especially great reminder of the exceptional love senior pets have to give thanks to it being Adopt a Senior Pet Month!

At AHS, we don’t only think, we know that senior animals make some of the best pets for so many wonderful and cute reasons.

This includes the fact that oftentimes they have more manners than their puppy and kitten counterparts and tend to be less destructive than them, as well.

Another great benefit of adopting a senior fur baby includes knowing exactly what you are getting yourself into, as their behavior and appearance has already been established and they tend to have a known history. And while potty training may be a thing of the past for our notable older residents, everyone at the Arizona Humane Society knows that with love and patience, you CAN teach an old dog (or cat… or critter… ) new tricks.

In addition to all of these amazing extras that accompany saving the life of a senior dog or cat, pets also offer many other benefits to their human companions.

Our furry family members also offer so many emotional and physical health benefits for their two-legged friends, which include decreases in blood pressure, cholesterol and feelings of loneliness.

Pets also have the ability to increase one’s opportunities for outdoor activities, exercise and socialization.

As you may imagine, older pets tend to take longer to be adopted than some of their younger friends, but that does not make them any less deserving of a loving family and caring home. In honor of the Arizona Humane Society’s lovable senior pets and this special month dedicated to them, all senior pets 6 years and older at both AHS adoption locations will have waived fees for the whole month of November!

Those looking to add a sweet senior friend to their home are encouraged to learn more and view all of AHS’ adoptable pets at azhumane.org/adopt

Editor’s note: Kelsey Dickerson is a spokeswoman for Arizona Humane Society. Visit azhumane.org.