Hello my wonderful “Paw Talk” Family. Ellie Mae here. i feel it has been soooo long since we last connected. i have missed your smell.

This month is a tribute month in honor of my grammy and grampy whoever they may be. Since i don’t even know who my biological mom and dad are, my grandparent could be anyone. So, this goes out to anyone and everyone of a mature status that deserves a forever home…

The Top Reasons to Consider Saving a Senior Soul.

The reason why some people (i gotta admit, i don’t know these people) decided to designate November as the month to adopt Seniors is cuz the voices of seniors can get quiet as they age. Their ability to draw your attention away from the new puppy smell and twitching, kitty whiskers wanes. Senior dogs and cats need a little help to be seen and remembered. However, if you have ever engaged with a senior in a rescue or shelter, you know how intense their loyalty and love is. Plus, the reasons that seniors are EVEN in rescues or shelters are usually heartbreaking. There is nothing that should keep us from saving these older souls and allowing them the safety and love they have earned.

So, with the help of some senior dope dogs and cool cats, this blog is going to be presented in their voices…well, in their words…written…not spoken...guess that might be obvious. Look, i am a dog. i just want to make sure the humans reading this are keeping up. (Teehee) Let’s get this tribute going…

Here are the reasons why Seniors ROCK:

First we will hear from the dogs:

Bennie, a 12-year-old Dachshund: This is the obvious one….we do our business outside. You know the business i am referring to, right? Youngins still need time…some, lots of time to figure out that if it is wet or hard, do it in the yard. Seniors have the potty-training, crate-training and all kinds of other cleanliness skills down. If you like a cleaner house, well you may just like a Senior!

Lucy, a 9-year-old Jack Russell Terrier: i got over liking shoes, table legs and pillows a long time ago. Puppies have those nice sharp teeth that just cannot say no to a "toy" they find in your closet, living room or bedroom. If you leave it out, well…..

Willie, an 11-year old Cattle Dog: If you want a trained dog, Seniors have the pups beat every time. i am a dog that appreciates good rules and structure. i have to admit, though, when i was 2, well that was not a priority. All i wanted to do was run and play and lick faces. i will admit. i still like to lick faces, but now i love to do what my human directs me to do cuz then we are a team and i get praise. Praise is good.

Chakita, a 10-year-old Akita: i have to admit, when i was younger, i was full of territorial energy. If i went to the dog park, it was very important to establish my boundaries. i did this at home too. i just hadn't figured out that whole human alpha thing yet. Now, let’s just say, i am good to go. i know what being part of a pack means. We are a family. i sum it like, “More love, less bark.”

Buzz, a 12-year-old Plott: When you adopt a dog, you usually know how you want to spend time with your new companion. The great thing about adopting a more seasoned pup is that you know exactly what you are getting. Seniors don’t hide who they are. They show you right up front. You want to go hiking, camping and bird watching, you will know exactly who wants to do that with you. Plus, you can do it tomorrow, not in six months after you go through puppy training 101 - how to pee outside. Nothing against those energy balls, but you aren’t going to know who you adopted for at least a year!

Peekers, a 14-year-old Japanese Chin: i laugh at the information out there about certain breeds. Look, i was “supposed” to have died last year. i am still kicking and dong it with style. If you adopt a Senior, we are ready for whatever fun you have planned. We may not be able to run like Forrest or jump like Jordan, but we will engage with full effort. Why? Cuz we are sooooo moved that you decided we were worth saving. Love can create miracles ya know.

Frank, a 10-year-old Bulldog: If you want to have a good night’s sleep, for the next three years, you may want to consider an older dog. We are just more accustomed to human schedules and don’t generally need nighttime feedings, comforting, or bathroom breaks. Those whipper snappers are little pee machines, bless their whacky little hearts.

And Now the Felines Have the Floor:

Spartacus, a 5-year-old short-hair: i think this is a universal truth (although i am a cat so i didn’t do any real research) – older cats who are adopted truly understand what gift they have received. We truly see you as our savior. Please note: that will not translate into anything behavioral other than we will seek you out for lots of snuggling…maybe.

Boca, a 14-year-old Tabby: i don’t know about you, but when i choose a roommate, i want to know who is moving in! As a Senior, i know who i am. i know that it is important to show new humans exactly what i am about. If we are going to be family, we have to get each other!

Spree, a 7-year-old Ragdoll: Confession time...when i was a kitten, i really loved attacking toes. They are just so ugly. i really wanted to just get rid of them. Now, as a mature cat, i see how annoying that was. i hope that isn’t why i was given away? i don’t do that anymore. i learned.

Snickers, a 4-year-old Bengal: The only thing i want to share is that i am litter trained. Is there really any more i need to say? i am going to go play now. Thank mew.

Cheezit, a 2-year-old Siamese: i know you are thinking that i am so young. Why would i be a part of this Senior shout out? i will tell you. Some people think if you are not a kitty, you are old? i know. i think it is funny since if you are not a baby, you aren’t considered AARP eligible. However, that seems to be the sad reality for cats. If you are one of those people who wants a playful, spry and intelligent cat, please think about a cat that is 1, 2 or even 3 years old. We truly will be all you ever wanted in a companion.

Tazz, a 6-year-old Ocicat: The best reason to save a Senior cat is because in shelters, older cats get overlooked and euthanized. It is a sad, hard truth. After you give your life to a family, and they decide you just don’t fit anymore, you end up in a cold, scary cage. All i ask is that you look at me. i just need someone to look at me…

Thank you my wonderful feline and canine family. The points you have shared have made my job very easy today. So easy that i was able to put together a slide show so everyone can see the joy and love of older companions. We will all be old one day. i hope there is a soul out there that chooses you.

https://animoto.com/play/v3bZUle3Vl0vfATILBzwKg

Love,

"Adopt a Senior Month" Shout Out

Ellie Mae

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