Adopt an Older Animal Today!

Miss Ethel just wanted to be loved. It was hard for her to find individual love and attention, though, because she lived in a house with almost 30 other cats.

One day some volunteers from C.A.R.E rescued her. Finally, she would find someone to love her! And she had a lot to offer because, being a lap cat, and a constant snuggle kitty, she would become the best friend to the lucky person who took her home.

Nobody told Ethel that a lot of people don't like to adopt older animals. And Ethel was about six years old when the C.A.R.E people came to her aid. Why wouldn't someone take her and love her? Was it really because she was no longer a kitten? What was wrong with her? She was cute and loving. What more could anyone want in a pal? She just wanted to be someone's friend. Yet no one seemed to want her. All they saw was her age. And nobody was interested in adopting a six year old cat who already had a name.

Ethel also had some other special needs. She lost most of her teeth, walked tipped to the side, and lost control of being able to retract her claws. Maybe Ethel just wasn't meant to find her forever home.

Then one day a lady came along; she had a cat, and wanted a friend for him. She wanted an older cat who nobody else wanted because she wanted to give that cat a chance. She knew that kittens had a better chance of finding homes. She understood that most people wouldn't take older cats with special needs. So she said she would take one. C.A.R.E. Introduced the lady to Ethel. And it was love at first sight (for the lady and Ethel alike). Ethel made herself at home when she visited with the lady by walking right up to the resident cat's toy box and choosing one of his toys for herself.

That visit was over six years ago. Since then, Ethel has become the queen of that household. She never lets her age or her needs get in the way of showing her people how much she loves them. She has become very comfortable in her house, and she lets everyone know that she's the boss.

• Like Ethel, there are many older animals in shelters that just need a chance. Many adoptable dogs and cats are put down in shelters every day because people don't want to take an older animal. Just because an animal is no longer a kitten or a puppy doesn't mean that it doesn't deserve a home. Older animals will show you their true personality as soon as you meet them. A kitten's or puppy's personality can change as the animal grows. If you love animals, and you want to make a difference, consider adopting the ones who need a home most of all. Most people will choose the babies. They need homes too, and they usually find their forever families. Be the person who helps the ones left behind. It won't be a mistake. You'll be saving the life of your best friend.