Brown Dog Blog

It has come to my attention recently that there are countless numbers of older dogs in our shelters that have little or no hope of adoption. The “lucky ones” in no kill shelters will live out the remainder of their lives in a shelter. No matter how caring the shelter staff is it can not take the place of having the comfort of home and humans to care for them. Many spend their last days lonely and frightened. The majority of senior dogs residing in kill shelters are truly on death row.

How do so many seniors end up in this situation? It is not always because of carelessness or disregard of their human caregivers. Some animals have elderly owners who have passed away or have become too ill to care for them.

Yet others are literally discarded by their owners because they decided they didn’t have enough time for them, have children with allergies, or have a new spouse or boyfriend that dislikes the dog. In more recent times foreclosures and other serious financial problems are causing people to abandon their senior animals, many who now need daily medication or other care the owners perceive as too costly.

Now I didn’t write this article to bring everyone down! I want to let you know that there are wonderful dogs out there just waiting for you. Most of us think in terms of a puppy or young dog when we think of adoption. I just wanted my readers to stop and think for a moment on how wonderful it might be to bring a senior dog into your life.

The first benefit that comes to my mind when considering adoption of a senior dog is the fact that they are already house trained. Good news for you and your new carpeting! But I ran across this article by the Senior Dog Project. It is available as a downloadable pdf file entitled the Top 10 Reasons for Adopting a Senior Dog.

And just remember…one of the best ways to help a senior dog is to call your local kill shelter and ask them if they have any senior dogs available. Many shelters don’t even bother to put them up for adoption.
Have any of you adopted a senior dog? Please tell us your story.

More resources:

• Top 10 Most Important Tips for Keeping Your Older Dog Healthy
• Old Dog Haven
• Senior Dog Rescue
• The Sactuary for Senior Dogs

I wanted to let you know about some really fun events that may be taking place in your community.  Get out there and enjoy some of these great events with your best buddy!

August 16th 2008 – 3rd Annual Pet Fest – Missoula, MT

The 3rd annual Pet Fest happens on Saturday, August 16th at Caras Park in Missoula, MT. Pet food distributors, retailers, groomers, vets, rescue organizations, breed clubs, pet boarding and pet adoptions. Wiener Dog Races, Agility Demonstration, Parade of Adoptable Pets and Adopt a Pet Row.

August 16-17, 2008 – Petapalooza – Huntington, NY

Join us for a fun-filled weekend that will include Search & Rescue displays, entertainment, other rescue groups, a Blessing of the Animals Service, kid’s games, a delicious barbeque, huge Chinese auction, dog contests, demonstrations, and hundreds of adoptable animals.
As always, this is an event not to be missed!

August 24, 2008 – PADS Walk & Roll for Independance – Burnaby, BC

Registration Opens 9am, Walk starts at 10am.  Walk and Roll through Central Park and raise money for PADS.  Choose the 5k or 2k route and stick around for a bbq and party in the park. Fun for the whole family with bouncy castles, airbrush tattoos and so much more!

September 6-7, 2008 – Fido’s Festival USA – Woodstown, NJ

 Calling All Dogs and Dog Lovers! Get ready to move those paws! Fido’s Festival USA is proud to present two full days of dog-centered, dog-loving fun and activities for dogs and dog lovers on September 6-7, 2008 at Salem County Fairgrounds, 735 Route 40, Woodstown, NJ.  The festival includes Fido’s Shopping Mall, Friendly Canine Competitions, Celebrities, Health & Training Seminars, Entertainment, Adoptions & Rescue, Kiddie Fun Park, Doggie Play Park, Food Court, and much, much more!

September 8, 2008 – DuPage County’s 1st Annual Dog Fair and Amateur Dog Competition – Wheaton, IL

 The fun takes place Sunday, September 7th at The DuPage County Fairgrounds, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2015 W. Manchester Road, Wheaton, IL. Join the parade to kick off the event at 9:15 a.m. in the parking lot on the northeast corner of Roosevelt and County Farm Road. Let us know you’re coming to reserve your FREE Dunkin’ Donut!

September 14, 2008 – Canine Cruise – New York, NY

Canine Cruise
Sunday, September 14, noon to 3 PM
Circle Line Cruises, Pier 83, W. 42nd St. and 12th Ave.
It’s a 3-hour sight-seeing cruise for small dogs and their people. There’s also fun doggy-centric activities including, pet psychic readings, doggy massages, and cool contests.  This is what your pooch has been barking about! 

 September 14, 2008 – Pet Rockfestival – Worcester, MA

Pet Rock is the largest animal expo on the East Coast. A daylong festival of fundraising fun for the entire family, Pet Rock’s purpose is to promote responsible pet ownership, bring attention to animal cruelty and educate humans on a variety of animal related issues. Proceeds benefit New England based animal welfare organizations. Pet Rock Fest boasts live music, vendors, vegetarian fare, games, prizes, raffles, guest speakers, rides and more than 200 breed rescues, shelters and animal welfare organizations. The 10 Annual Festival takes place Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008 [rain date, Sept. 21] from noon to 5 p.m., at Quinsigamond Community College, 670 West Boylston St., Worcester.

October 11, 2008 – Wiggle Waggle Walk – Lake Mary, FL

Franklin’s Friends was created to raise money for the SPCA of Central Florida’s annual Wiggle Waggle Walk, scheduled this year for October 11. This is a “no kill” shelter so any healthy, non-aggressive animal can stay until they find the perfect “forever” home. Please help us help the pets!

November 6, 2008 – The 2008 DogCatemy Awards – New York, NY

This pet-friendly event will take place on November 6, 2008, from 6-10 PM at the spectacular venue, Capitale, located at 130 Bowery Street, NYC. At this Red-Carpet event, an expected crowd of 400 people will screen celebrity-made short films starring their pets. Awards will be presented for Best in Show, Best Tail-Waggin’ Comedy, Best Musical, Best Dogumentary and Best Pawformance. There will be an extensive national media campaign as in 2007, when Rachael Ray, Howard Stern and Beth Ostrosky, Richard Belzer, and Katie Lee Joel attended. Join notable celebrities alongside authors, socialites, media influentials and supporters of North Shore Animal League America at this year’s event.

All proceeds will benefit the life-saving mission of the Animal League.