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September 2008
Senior Dogs
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Celebrating Seniors and Senior Pets
The value of senior pets should not be diminished by their younger counterparts. Senior pets are a perfect match for older adults and bring so much joy to lives that could be lonely. What a perfect companion to walk and a door opener for conversation with neighbors.
More and more senior communities are acknowledging the value of pets and residents are moving with their companions to communities when they relocate. These pets become community mascots and bring pleasure to everyone.
We recently learned of a woman, who as soon as she found that she could bring her cat along....it was the determining factor in her move.
Mobile vets and grooming vans make pet care easier for seniors and services could also include delivery of kitty litter and pet food. Making health care emergencies provisions for a pet need to be considered and families and friends should offer this support.
- Janis R. Ehlers, senior housing marketing consultant assisting senior communities across the country (www.TheEhlersGroup.com)
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Every dog deserves a chance
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by Jen Ford
Volunteer
jen@paws4you.org
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 As humans, we are often faced with unexpected challenges
in life. Most of us know all too well the experience of loss.
However, sometimes we are also lucky enough to find opportunity out of
an unpleasant situation. This too is the same for dogs.
A
dog may have spent the majority of his life bonded to a human, but
because of circumstances out of his or her control, a dog may lose
their human companion. Whether it is because of a move, illness, a
change in finances or even death, sometimes we are forced to give our
dogs up for adoption. And unfortunately for dogs who are Senior dogs
(typically recognized as dogs about 8 years of age and older) they are
often looked over at adoption time, even though they will provide the
same love and companionship as a younger dog.
While
a senior dog would make a great addition to most any family, they are
particularly well-suited for the home of anyone who is unable to put
forth the energy it takes to care for a puppy. But don't be fooled by
their Senior designation. These dogs often times still love to play
games and will bond to you just as a younger dog. And while puppies
are wonderful, a Senior dog is much easier to take care of from the
onset of the adoption.
Some of the top
reasons often cited for adopting a senior dog over a puppy are: they
are most likely housetrained, they are more mellow and therefore better
listeners, there aren't teething and won't be tempted to chew your
house away, they understand the meaning of 'no', and despite that
common myth about not being able to teach an old dog new tricks, they
are still trainable. Perhaps the easiest way to sum up the advantages
of adopting a senior dog is that what you see is what you get.
As
with any dog, before you adopt it is crucial to take into consideration
the time you will be able to spend with your furry companion and also
the cost associated with his/her care. Sometimes older dogs will need
special care and therefore you might incur unexpected costs. However,
there are several pet insurance companies that can help with these costs. Another reality of adopting a Senior
Dog is that your time with them will more than likely be shorter than
if you had adopted a puppy, but the joy and friendship that you get
will not be any less significant. More so, you are giving a dog that
many people overlook a second chance to live a happy and fulfilling
life.
Red, an eight year old pure breed
yellow labrador retriever, sat at Miami Dade Animal Services for four weeks during
the Holiday Season waiting for his owners to pick him back up - not understanding why he deserved to be left in a concrete cell. Unfortunately, this is a daily occurance at the pound but he was a special dog to live over the average timespan of a dog brought to the pound (normally five days or less).
He waited all that time for me to rescue him!
Thinking of 'Big
Red' puts a sparkle in my eye because he
touched my heart during the several months he lived with my family while healing from his heartworm treatment preparing for his forever home.
Whether you are a single or married, young or middle aged, a growing family or retired individual - every body benefits
from the unconditional love a senior dog has to give for the rest of his or her life!
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Program News
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by Carol Caridad
Program Director
carol@paws4you.org
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Paws 4 You Rescue's SENIORS 4 SENIORS program places senior dogs with qualified senior citizens who are 60 years of age or older. Dogs (or cats) can provide friendship and security for lonely individuals. Because Americans are living longer these days, sometimes elderly people find themselves alone because they have outlived loved ones. The opportunity for companionship, care taking and interaction may fill an older person's void if family is not nearby.
Research tells us that companion dogs can help improve our physical and mental health. Benefits include decreased heart rate and blood pressure while petting a dog (or cat). Going outside to smell the fresh air does wonders as well as talking short walks throughout the day and evening can reduce depression. Having an animal in the home keeps individuals active even in the smallest way such as letting the dog out within the fenced in yard or getting up early to feed him or her. A pet can offer a person a sense of well being, a sense of encouragement and even a reason for living. Being responsible for another life can add new meaning to one's own life and having to care for and provide a loving home to a companion animal can also help an older individual remain active and healthy.
Experiencing the friendly greeting of a dog is what the SENIORS 4 SENIORS program is all about - not to mention the unconditional love each dog has to offer. The volunteer staff will help you select a companion that fits into your lifestyle and housing situation.
As Jen mentioned above, there are many reasons why older dogs make perfect pets: housetrained, lower energy levels, less susceptible to unpredictable behavior, awareness of basic commands and even know how to walk on a leash properly. To an older animal, a senior citizen that will dote on them and spend a significant amount of time allowing them to sit on their lap or lay at their feet is an inviting and ideal new home.
This program offers a special reduced adoption fee and includes many benefits to help seniors who are living on a fixed income including the spay or neuter surgery, vaccinations, a complimentary vet visit to discuss the dog, a leash and a collar and a special toy donated by the Board of Directors.
Volunteers will help each new owner and his or her companion get settled and will make follow up calls to talk over any issues or concerns. Transportation to and from the vet for your dog is available and Paws 4 You Rescue would be happy to assist in check ups.
If one becomes unable to take care of the new dog, due to long-term hospitalization or stay in a nursing facility, the animal may be returned to the Rescue.
Senior animals often experience uncontrollable circumstances within their current family and end up at adoption centers. Being adopted by a mature senior who understands their calm nature and need for companionship is a perfect match for these older dogs.
If you are considering participation in our SENIORS 4 SENIORS program for yourself or family member, please call the Rescue line (786.242.7377) or email seniors@paws4you.org.
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Adoptable Dogs
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Chelsea,
Susie, Marti, Howie & Fiona
- adult beagles who will make any house a happy home
Corey the Corgi
- very sweet purebreed Corgi that even the Queen could not resist
Murray & Lydia
- happy beagles who can benefit from TLC, daily walks and strict diet
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Go to www.paws4you.org to read all the details on these pups or email jen@paws4you.org.
or call the Rescue line at 786.242.RESQ.
  
Logan, Annie & Fred
- three older basset hounds who couldn't be sweeter and all need forever homes | |
These beauties are part of Basset Hound Rescue of Florida.
Please visit www.BassetRescueFlorida.com to read all about
their available Bassets or call 954.337.0273 for more information!
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Fundraising Event News: Pawtini Pawty
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Hosted by NBC 6's "South Florida Nightly News" co-anchor DeMarco Morgan, the Pawtini Pawty fundraiser benefiting Paws 4 You Rescue will feature live music by DJ Vic Mendez, fantastic raffle prizes, tasty hors devours, and of course the soon-to-be famous 'Pawtini' drink.
Tickets for the event are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
VIP packages are also available for purchase for $200, which includes four tickets to the event and a bottle of premium liquor.
For ticket reservations email events@paws4you.org.
THANK YOU to our Sponsors:
     THANK YOU to our other Supporters:
   
    
    
    
    
     
         
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More News: Putt 4 Paws Second Annual Golf Tournament
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Visit
with
Us:
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Sundays:
Colonial Palms PetSmart
13621 South Dixie Highway
11-4pm
(across from The Falls)
Paws
4 You Rescue has dogs of shapes, sizes, ages and breeds.
We rescue as
many as we can from Animal Services' Euthanasia
List where they destroy
over 100 animals every day!
With your support, we can continue saving hundreds of dogs
in South Florida and finding the perfect homes for each one of them.
Please consider donating a Kuranda bed for our dogs.
We do not have enough for every dog yet.
Click here or the icon below to lead you to our Donate page.
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Thank you from all our our four legged guests!
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