ANIMAL COMPANIONS
Sometimes mature pets make better adoptees

Hawaiian Humane Society

Puppies and kittens are certainly irresistible, but for any animal lover who has owned an older cat or dog, they know that teenage or adult pets are just as much fun.

ADOPTABLES

Jane Tag No. 38271. Jane is the ultimate orange tiger cat. She has a perfectly striped coat of tangerine and rust accented with four snowy white paws and a white blaze on her chest. An adult about 3, Jane enjoys the company of people and other cats.

Chad Tag No. 720. This handsome guy is a friendly medium-size dog with a super-size personality. Chad has a brindle coat of black and tan with white accents. A frisky 2-year-old, he gets along well with other dogs and people who treat him with kindness. These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open noon to 8 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends. The incoming-animals area always is open. If you've lost or found an animal, call the society immediately at 946-2187, ext. 285. See www.hawaiianhumane.org.

Generally, older animals have a defined personality, making it easier to find the perfect match in a furry companion.

For the owner who may be a busy professional with limited time, dogs and cats past their rambunctious puppy or kitten stages are best. Many adult dogs are already house-trained, with some obedience training as well.

According to Linda Haller, director of shelter operations at the Hawaiian Humane Society, most dogs available for adoption are 8 months to 3 years old.

"What you see is what you get," Haller says. "Many of our animals have grown into their full size. And all are very well-adjusted. The truth is that most of our animals come from loving families, and are all healthy and of good temperament.

"Some have benefited from the shelter's animal behavior program in which staff and volunteers use positive reinforcement and work hand in paw with the animals to improve their manners."

Older pets also are less likely to acquire diseases such as parvo virus, worms and skin diseases.

Separate from health and behavior, there are other benefits of adopting older pets, according to Pamela Burns, Hawaiian Humane Society president and CEO.

"Adopting an older pet means that you are willing to give a previously owned animal another chance to be a part of a family, and that you've pledged your support to making a difference in reducing pet overpopulation," Burns says. "When adopters walk out of our shelter with a newly adopted pet, they know they've made a major difference in their community and in the life of an animal."

Potential adopters can visit the shelter from noon to 8 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends. "Pets of the Week" at www.hawaiianhumane.org /adoptions features animals available for adoption.

Up to two animals that are 6 years or older can be adopted for no charge by people 60 or older. Ask about the Seniors for Seniors program.