Senior Pet Success Stories

If you’ve ever owned a senior pet, you know the joy that comes with being a part of their golden years. November is Adopt-a-Senior-Pet-Month, so we’d like to share a few stories of senior pets who were adopted from Animal Humane Society.

Kiki
18-year-old Domestic Shorthair Cat
Kiki, a 17-year-old cat, was dropped off at Animal Humane Society in March 2009. She was examined by our veterinarian who addressed some dental issues. Other than her teeth, Kiki was a very healthy senior cat. She made her way to the adoption center of our St. Paul site. Karen, a volunteer at Animal Humane Society, spotted Kiki and noticed her age. Kiki was the oldest cat she had ever seen while working in the adoption center. She watched her all week and by Friday nobody had adopted Kiki. Knowing that senior pets often take longer to be adopted, Karen decided she would give her a home. Kiki is now 18-years-old and showing no signs of slowing down. She’s the best ping pong ball player Karen has ever seen and can still leap over the pet gate in her house. And the best part, Karen says, is that after playtime, “you always have somebody ready for a nap!”

Murphy
14-year-old Silky Terrier
Murphy, a 14 year old Silky Terrier, was brought to Animal Humane Society by his owner of 10 years. She was getting married and her new husband did not want Murphy around. He was given a full medical examination and determined to be a healthy senior dog. The vet noted that Murphy was “a wonderfully sweet dog.” After five days in the Animal Humane Society adoption center, he appeared on WCCO-TV as the Pet of the Week. A woman watching the news spotted Murphy and thought he would be a great companion for her friend, Gretchen. The two friends came to Animal Humane Society together to meet Murphy, and Gretchen fell in love. She brought him home that day and he settled in very quickly. His new home is right across the street from a park where they spend time each day. After playing at the park and greeting all the neighborhood dogs, Murphy and Gretchen go for a nice long walk. After play and exercise time, he likes to take naps – on the bed of course. This year for Halloween, Murphy took second place in the dog park costume contest dressed as a painter (see photo).


Maggie
10-year-old Domestic Shorthair Cat
Maggie, a 10-year-old cat, was surrendered to Animal Humane Society in October 2010 because her owner was allergic to her. She was examined by our veterinarian and found to be a healthy senior cat. The vet noted that Maggie was “mellow and super sweet.” Maggie was placed in the adoption center on October 9 and just one day later Irene was at Animal Humane Society looking at the cats. She noticed that Maggie was really trying to get her attention and seemed like a loving cat. She brought her home and after Maggie was settled in, Irene introduced her to her two other cats. Irene says Maggie is still trying to make sense of the other cats, but is enjoying her new home. She loves attention and also enjoys a good afternoon nap.
 

Otis
9-year-old Beagle
Otis, a 9–year-old Beagle, was surrendered to Animal Humane Society because his owners didn’t have enough time for him. Our veterinarian examined Otis and addressed some minor health concerns. Otis was placed in the adoption center with a note stating that he may need some additional age-related medical care. A few days later Peg and Dave noticed the cute Beagle on the Animal Humane Society website. Knowing that senior dogs aren't adopted as quickly as the younger ones, they decided to keep an eye on him and after about a week they came in to meet him. Peg and Dave knew right away that he was a great dog and they were receptive to the medical care he would need. Otis now lives in the country and has three new best friends - other dogs that Peg and Dave have rescued over the years. Otis goes on long walks every day and enjoys relaxing on the couch. Peg and Dave are committed to providing him all the senior care he needs to be a happy, healthy dog.


Brandy
8-year-old Labrador Retriever
Brandy, an 8-year-old Labrador Retriever, was surrendered because her family moved from a home with lots of land to a city home with a yard that was too small for a dog. The family brought her to Animal Humane Society with the hope that she would find a new family that could give her the time, attention, and space a large dog needs. Brandy was given a full medical examination and was deemed "a very sweet girl" by the vet staff. Brandy was spayed, vaccinated, and had some dental work performed before making her way to the adoption center. That very same day, a woman named Barb who had recently lost her husband came in to look at the dogs. Barb told the staff she was looking for a dog that could keep her company and be a bit of a protector now that she was alone. She lived on a large piece of land out in the country so she had plenty of room for a big dog who needed a lot of space. A staff member instantly thought of Brandy as the perfect match for Barb. They were introduced and immediately hit it off. Barb put Brandy on “hold” and went home to think about it. The next day Barb was back with leash in hand, excited to bring Brandy home. Brandy is now living the good life – she has 10 acres of land to run around, goes on walks with Barb every day, and has lost a few extra pounds bringing her down to a healthy weight. Barb couldn’t be happier with Brandy. “I love her so much, she’s so great to have around. It’s like we’ve been together our whole lives,” says Barb.


Etta
10-year-old Labrador Retriever/Pointer mix
Etta, a 10-year-old Labrador Retriever/Pointer mix, was found as a stray in a church parking lot in January 2010. She was brought to Animal Humane Society and was examined by our veterinarian who addressed some minor health concerns. After nobody claimed Etta, she made her way to our adoption center. Etta was a very friendly dog and quickly became a staff favorite during her almost two month stay. Finally, on a very happy day in March, Etta found her forever home. Wendy’s sister spotted Etta’s photo on Animal Humane Society’s website and told Wendy she should go look at her. Wendy and her husband Keith came in to meet Etta and knew right away she would make a great addition to their family. Wendy and Keith placed Etta on “hold” so they could go buy all the supplies needed to bring her home. The next day they were back to give Etta the life every senior dog deserves. Etta is enjoying her new home and has a new friend in Coco, the family’s Cocker Spaniel. When asked what Etta’s favorite thing is, Wendy quickly replied, “She loves to go for walks, she could walk all day long!”

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