Berkshire Humane Senior Pets Seeking Homes for Holidays (And Beyond)
PITTSFIELD, Mass.— November is Adopt a Senior Pet month and the Berkshire Humane Society has a number of furry friends in their golden years who would love to spend the holidays in a forever home.
There are currently about 10 senior cats and dogs at the shelter and, during November, adoption fees for those 7 years or older are reduced to $50.
Senior companions will also come with a goodie bag consisting of a bed and some other supplies that will help acclimate to their new home.
By incentivizing the adoption of older animals, the shelter hopes to show all that mature pets can offer and get them into loving, permanent homes.
In a press release, Executive Director John Perreault said older cats and dogs make great pets because they are usually are house trained and past challenging stages that younger animals go through.
The Humane Society published an article in 2017 that detailed the benefits of adopting a senior animal. These include predictable personalities and a more relaxed disposition.
It also states that "senior" does not mean old, as most animals' lives extend beyond 12 years.
Starting Sunday, Nov. 7, through Saturday, Nov. 13, the shelter will also be holding a "Vets for Pets" promotion that waives adoption fees for all animals to any active and former soldiers.
This is in honor of Veteran's Day on Thursday, Nov. 11.
Marketing Communication Manager Catherine Hibbard welcomed iBerkshires to the Humane Society for a meet and greet with the older shelter pets. Below is a summary of the cats and dogs looking for homes during this Adopt a Senior Pet Month.
For more information or to apply for adoption, visit berkshirehumane.org.
Dennis
Dennis is a large male domestic shorthair mix cat with a great personality. He is a healthy feline at 8 years and though he was found as a stray, he did not come into the shelter malnourished.
"He's quite a character," Hibbard said. "He's just the sweetest boy, you can see he's a big boy, too."
Dennis has been at the shelter for about two months and will be featured on Steve Caporizzo's Pet Connection on News10 ABC. He loves to be pet and receive attention.
Dennis is not fond of other cats but is very patient and would do well in a home with children. He may be able to live with a dog as well.
Unfortunately, he has been overlooked by potential adopters and the shelter hopes that he generates interest this month.
Stella
Stella is a sweet shorthair mix with unique gray coloring. She entered the shelter around the same time as Dennis after being abandoned by her owner.
At 10 years old with a medium-sized frame, Stella has no health issues and Hibbard said she is a rather low maintenance cat.
It is recommended that she is not in a home with cats, dogs, or small children.
Stella is a curious cat even in her older age, as she took the opportunity to investigate the scents around her during iBerkshire's visit.
Wes
Wes is an 8-year-old beagle and Portuguese podengo mix that is medium in size. He arrived at the shelter recently as a surrender because his former family had too many animals.
Because he is so new to the shelter, his personality is still being evaluated and there is not a determination on his behavior around cats, dogs, and children.
He did enjoy a nice ear rub and some treats during iBerkshire's visit.
Bailey
Bailey is seeking a quiet home where he can enjoy taking walks in the sunshine and cuddling with his humans. He is a 14-year-old male retriever and Labrador mix that was surrendered to the shelter in October because his family could no longer care for him.
Bailey is not recommended for a home with dogs, cats, or small kids but he has been appreciating the attention he gets from shelter staff on a daily basis.
Kennel staff say he has acclimated to life at the shelter very well.
Bailey is considered to be large in size and is featured as the poster dog for the Senior Pet Adoption Month.
Bowzer
Bowzer is a happy dog who is said to be "Labrador through and through." He is a 12-year-old male retriever and Labrador mix and his favorite activities include eating, sleeping, and walking.
He lived with his family from puppy age and was surrounded in October.
When released into the fenced-in dog area, Bowzer hopped around like a puppy. Don't be fooled by his age, he is still an active dog and requires regular walks or hikes.
At times, his excitement for life makes him vocal.
Bowzer would be OK with a dog friend but cannot live with cats. He can live in a home with kids, even if they are small kids.
Katie
Katie entered the shelter when her original owner passed. She is a medium-sized female terrier mix that is said to be "sweet as pie."
She is in pretty good shape at 11 years old. She loves to walk outside and to be out of her kennel to meet new people. After all of that excitement, she loves to snuggle into a big soft bed to relax.
Katie seeks a quiet household without young children, as the loud noises within the kennel have made her anxious. She does not do well with dogs but may be able to live with a cat that is acclimated to pooches.
Katie does have some special medical needs but overall just wants a cozy place and a loving small family to spend her forever with.
Tags: animal shelter, dogs, domestic animals,
