Finding homes for older dogs

The singer Tom T. Hall has a song about the virtues of old dogs, children and watermelon wine.

But in real life, older dogs, and cats that have lost that kittenish charm, are often the least likely to be adopted.

So the San Diego County Department of Animal Services is dropping the adoption fee for dogs over 5 years old, cats over 6 months old, or any animal that has been at the shelter for more than 30 days. The offer lasts through Aug. 30.

There is also a "Better with a Buddy" offer: one cat for full price, the second one at half-price. Fees are usually $69 for a dog, $58 for a cat, which includes spaying and neutering.

For older animals unable to find homes, the end is grim. With limited space at its shelters in Carlsbad, San Diego and Bonita, the department is forced to euthanize older animals considered unadoptable.

"Our goal is not to euthanize any adoptable animal," said John Carlson, the department’s deputy director. "We want to find a home for every animal that is healthy and friendly."

-- Tony Perry, in San Diego

Photo credit: San Diego County Department of Animal Services

Comments

[Cynthia]

I have adopted three different older dogs -- one that was 13 1/2 yrs (male GSD/Husky mix) and one that was 10 1/2 yrs (female purebred GSD), and another that was also 10 1/2 yrs (male all black purebred GSD). These three dogs were the best dogs in the whole world! The 13 1/2 yr old mix lived to age 18. He had previously been very well loved by one owner (who died) and the evil relatives dumped this beautiful animal at the Silicon Valley Human Society. It took him awhile to adjust to his new life but once he came out of his shell he was the sweetest dog I've even known. The female GSD had been mistreated but she got over that fast and became very loving and loyal. She lived till age 15. The male black GSD developed degenerative myelopathy (common in GSDs) but still had a great year and one half in his new home. So don't hesitate to adopt an older dog...they are the BEST!

[J.M.Gallo]

I understand their intentions but I don't think this is a good thing. Getting a dog for free often equates to some new owners as the dog having no value. People that are unsuitable to own a pet can now get a pet. And possibly neglect it or even worse, abuse it. I believe that if you can't afford an adoption fee, then you also can't afford proper medical care for that pet either. Will they spend time with this pet? Give it proper shelter? Qualtiy pet food? In the end, the dog is still alive. But is it a good life?