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Adopting a special needs senior pet.

Adopting a special needs senior pet.
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April 21, 2025
in Humane Education Column
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By: Casey Hampf, Outreach Manager

Adopting a senior or special needs pet not only makes a difference in a shelter animal’s life, but it can also make a difference in yours. Choosing to open your home to a senior or special needs animal can be very rewarding and create a special bond between you and your new friend as this story from Jenna G., who adopted a senior, special needs pet from Ark-Valley Humane Society, highlights:

“Back in 2019, I had the pleasure of meeting a sweet senior dog named Henry. He came to Ark-Valley Humane Society with some digestive issues and Ark-Valley took the time, effort, and funds to get those issues diagnosed, start medication, and get him ready for adoption.

At that time I was working for AVHS and watched as potential adopters would meet Henry and fall in love. But once they found out this sweet senior dog had to be on expensive medication they would pass on adopting him. Some would contemplate adopting him and weigh the pros and cons coming back multiple times to visit with Henry, only to decide later on that they couldn’t adopt him. Whether it be the medication or the fact that Henry wouldn’t be around that long, ultimately, they would decide not to take Henry home.

I eventually took Henry home to foster him and give him a break from the shelter for what was supposed to be a week. After that week ended I just couldn’t take him back so I decided I would adopt sweet Henry, knowing he would need medication, a special diet, and that he wouldn’t be around for that long.

Originally we were told he wouldn’t live longer than 2-3 years. Henry filled our home and hearts with so much love. I could see every day how grateful he was to have a home that showered him with love, toys, and treats (so many treats). We got to have Henry for almost five years.

Adopting a senior pet is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Knowing that I gave this sweet boy all the love, comfort and compassion he deserved in his last years is one of the greatest gifts. Senior pets may not have much longer, but they are so grateful for a place that they can call their own and they truly show it.

Henry recently passed and though our home is heartbroken over his passing we wouldn’t change a thing. We know we gave him his best last years. He passed with us surrounding him with love, comfort, and kindness. If you’re thinking of adopting a senior pet I say do it! If you’re thinking of adopting a pet with special needs and you have the capacity to meet those needs I say do it! The love that animal will show will be worth it all, even the heartbreak that comes once they are no longer there. #opttoadoptaseniorpet.”

There are several senior or special needs dogs and cats currently Ark-Valley Humane Society looking for their very own happily-ever-after. These animals have received routine medical examinations as well vaccinations, microchipping, spay/neutering, and routine blood tests. Some have even had follow up appointments or care to help provide more medical information to future adopters.

Give consideration to meeting a senior or special needs pet at AVHS. See how they transform from being in a kennel environment to being in a home that they can spend their golden years in. You’ll never know how it might change your life as well!

 

 

 

 

 

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