Posted on: Sunday, November 28, 2004
ANIMAL COMPANIONS
Older pets make great adoptees
Hawaiian Humane Society
November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month and is the perfect time to consider opening your home to one of the hundreds of pets at shelters across the state.
Thursday, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. at the humane society. This tree-lighting ceremony pays tribute to the pets both past and present. Reception features special guest speaker Kahu Kordell Kekoa, ornament-making, and refreshments. Pets and people welcome. For more information, check the Events section at www.hawaiian While 6 is the age for pets to qualify for the program, it is far from considered "elderly."
The average life expectancy of a well cared for indoor cat is about 15 years and dogs can be expected to live 10 to 20 years.
Advances in nutrition, veterinary medicine, and education of pet owners have made this possible.
Adult pets offer a number of benefits. They are full-grown, often housetrained, trained to obey commands, and may get along well with other pets or children. If you have toddlers, an older pet may be easier to handle.
"For every puppy and kitten that you see in the kennel, there is a mature, well-behaved, loyal cat or dog ready for a loving home like yours," says Yvette Dante, customer service manager at the Hawaiian Humane Society. "Pets make excellent companions for seniors because they help us live more energetic lives. Dogs need to be walked. Things need to be done for the comfort and care of our pets."
When you've decided to share your life with a pet, meet the animals looking for homes at the humane society. Dogs, cats, small mammals, rodents, birds and turtles are usually available. Featured pets are pictured at www.hawaiianhumane.org and on Oceanic digital cable channel 919, the Pet Channel.
With more than 170,000 senior citizens in Hawai'i, the Hawaiian Humane Society in Honolulu offers Seniors for Seniors, a program that pairs pets, 6 and older, and people, 60 and older. Those who meet the age criteria can adopt a dog, and up to two cats for free.
In Celebration of Pets
humane.org.
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ADOPTABLES
Tag No. 48017. This calico cat has exceptionally fluffy fur — very luxurious. Mostly white, Cali has big artistic patches of tan, orange and black. Now 1› years old, she craves affection from people and enjoys the company of other cats.
Tag No. 47750. As part of the Seniors for Seniors program, the adoption fee for this 6-year-old Rottweiler mix is waived for those age 60 or better. A well-mannered, calm gal, Neffi is already spayed and ready to go home today. These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open seven days a week. For hours, directions, special events and to see more pets available for adoption, see www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187. Call immediately to report lost or found animals. |
