Adopt-a-Senior Pet Month

Senior dogs, like their human companions, deserve love, dignity and a place to call home in their twilight years.

Just as November is a time to honor senior shelter animals, it is equally a time to raise awareness for these deserving dogs and cats. Did you know that if only one in 17 more families would choose to adopt a pet rather than purchase one, we would end the killing of cats and dogs in our nation’s shelters? Only one in 17, that’s it! With data from Best Friends Animal Society, it is estimated that millions of people plan to add a pet to their family in the coming year, and only one in 17 more would need to choose adoption over purchase for us to make the most amazing impact on some of the kindest souls out there – shelter dogs and cats.

There are around 3,900 animal shelters in the United States, and roughly 1,300 of those shelters are not yet deemed no-kill shelters. Sadly, every 90 seconds, dogs and cats are euthanized at those shelters simply because they have no place to call home. Just imagine, if only one in 17 more people would choose adoption, we could end such tragedy in our nation’s shelters.

Raising awareness within our own community and supporting adoption efforts, Paws ‘n Claws facilitates several programs that directly benefit the Routt County Humane Society (RCHS). Through the RCHS Wish List Program, customers can purchase items that are needed by the shelter at Paws N’ Claws and leave them at the store in a collection box that a shelter employee regularly picks up. Paws ‘n Claws also facilitates a pet food bag recycling program that is beneficial to the local shelter and environment alike.

Next time you’re at Paws ‘n Claws, look for items marked as part of the RCHS Wish List Program and make a difference for shelter animals!

“Through Midwestern Pet, which sells various brands like Earthborn Holistic, we offer a food bag recycling program,” explains Paws ‘n Claws co-owner Eli Campbell. “Customers can bring back their empty food bags for us to ship to a recycling organization that converts the product to a usable material. Based on the volume and weight that we send, the recycling organization then writes a check that is donated to either RCHS or Steamboat Digs Dogs, whichever program is designated for that month.”

Acknowledging that adoption is vitally important, the team at Paws ‘n Claws is always ready to help newly adopted additions to your family. “We offer a variety of anti-anxiety treats and toys, calming supplements and even anti-anxiety jackets that can really help calm a newly adopted pet who has been in the shelter for a while,” says Paws ‘n Claws co-owner Erin Campbell. And when it comes to food selection, Eli explains that patience is important as your newly adopted pet has most likely been eating different food brands, and it can take some time to adjust and find the right fit.

“In shelters you can find well-behaved, perfectly healthy, mixed-breed dogs – which mixed-breed dogs typically have longer life spans – that are available and in need of a good home,” says Erin. “There is a deep sense of gratitude in adopted pets. I feel like shelter pets are more thankful than so many dogs or cats out there as it seems like there is an element of even greater gratitude that comes along with adoption.”

A month known for being thankful, November is the perfect month to raise awareness for shelter animals, especially seniors, who are just waiting to add the wonderful element of gratitude to their future forever families. And with a very reasonable goal of just one in 17 more families choosing adoption over purchase, there is hope for these deeply kind souls residing in our nation’s shelters.