Finding homes for older dogs

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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