Jazz, a dog at the Humane Society, loves attention. She’s gentle, playful, and you can see the love in her eyes. But she might have more difficulty getting adopted ― just because of her graying muzzle.
The Humane Society Naples is hosting an initiative to crush people’s misconceptions about older pets and get them all adopted or fostered out by the end of November.
Shelter staff say “Adopt a Senior Pet Month” is the perfect time to find a companion for the holidays. Naples Daily News visited the Humane Society Naples to meet some of their 49 senior pets that are seeking adoption and to debunk some common senior animal myths.
Proving misconceptions wrong
Potential adopters may think older pets are lazy, slow, or riddled with medical issues. But Director of Animal Programs Stephanie Lewis says those are misconceptions.
“Senior pets are just as lively and have just as much personality,” Lewis said. “People think they’re riddled with medical issue, and they’re not. Some are, but you have the same risk of adopting a puppy with medical problems.”