Oh, a storm is threat’ning
My very life today
If I don’t get some shelter
Oh yeah, I’m gonna fade away
DAN MAZUR/Special to Bullet News
Lizzie
The Niagara Falls Humane Society tries to alleviate the suffering of all animals and to eliminate euthanasia as a method of population control for pets. At the NFHS, no healthy adoptable animal will ever be euthanized.
When it comes to adding a new member to the family, a lot of people tend to want to adopt a kitten or puppy. Sure they’re cute and playful little balls of fur, but they are also a lot of work. The NFHS has many older cats and dogs available for adoption that would make perfect additions to any household. Not everyone has the energy or patience to handle that accompanies looking after a younger animal.
There are many benefits that come with adopting a more mature animal. You don’t have to worry about housebreaking them or having them tear up your furniture, your curtains, or your clothing. Older pets are much calmer and set in their ways. Even though they may no longer be a puppy or a kitten anymore, it doesn’t mean that they are not just as playful and fun to have around the house. They still love to play with their toys, chase after tennis balls, and go for walks.
An older cat or dog that has been adopted from a shelter seems to be more appreciative of the second chance at happiness that a kind-hearted soul has given them. Many older animals tend to suffer from depression the longer they are at a shelter. Despite the constant care and attention they get from staff and volunteers, it just isn’t the same as having a place they can call home. A cat or dog that is 8 or 9 still has a lot of life and a lot of love to give the lucky person who adopts them.
Adopting an older animal would be beneficial to a family with younger children. More mature pets tend to be more patient and have a gentle disposition that makes their transition into a new home that much easier for all involved. For seniors looking for companionship, adopting an older cat or dog just makes more sense. Far too many seniors are isolated from the world and not able to get around as much as they used to. Having a calm, furry companion at their side alleviates the loneliness and depression that comes with it.
Brady
The next time you are thinking about adopting a cat or a dog, stop by the Cat Adoption Centre or The Niagara Falls Humane Society and spend some time with the older animals. The staff is caring and knowledgeable and can tell you everything you need to know about the animal that has caught your eye. Please give serious consideration to adopting a mature animal and give them another opportunity to love and to be loved. It’s an opportunity that sadly many shelter animals never get to experience again.
Colby is a 1½-year-old Siberian husky mix. He has boundless energy and loves to run and play. Despite his frisky nature, Colby was an excellent student during his obedience training. He sits on command and waits patiently for you to call him to come to you. Colby is well-behaved around other dogs and would fit right in at a home with more than one dog. Like many young pups, he likes to have fun and tends to get a little rambunctious when he is in a playful mood.
Lizzie is a two year old who tends to be a little on the shy side. She likes her alone time and doesn’t seem to actively seek attention from others. When she is approached, she is incredibly sweet and gentle. She’s not really into high energy activities and prefers to lead a docile life. She a little nervous around people and will need the right owner to provide her with the right mixture of patience, love, and understanding. She would thrive in a home where she was the only pet and we’re sure that she would make a wonderful companion for someone who’s looking for a relaxed, faithful pet.
Sigourney
Sigourney is a three-year-old orange and white tabby who is an absolute sweetheart. She’s the type of kitty that enjoys being around people 24/7. Sigourney is a very happy, affectionate cat who seems to have a non-stop purring motor as she is always in a great mood. She relishes all of the attention she receives and will pay it back tenfold. She is very gentle when she is around other cats, children, and adults. She just seems to adore everyone.
The NFHS is always looking for volunteers to walk dogs, help at the shelter, or Cat Adoption Centre. It is a highly rewarding experience and one you will come to cherish. Staff and volunteers become highly invested in all of the animals who come to the shelter either as strays, rescues, or surrendered by their owners.
Colby
When you work with animals, every day is different and unique, just like the animals at the shelter. Witnessing the adoption of a shelter animal is an emotional and proud moment for everyone involved. If you’re interested in volunteering for the NFHS please call 905-356-4404. We are also open to new and innovative fundraising ideas as well. The NFHS doesn’t receive any federal, provincial, or municipal funding so we are dependent upon the generosity and compassion of the citizens of Niagara Falls.
Our next fundraiser will be a pasta dinner on February 23 from 4-7 pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall. For more information please visit our website, www.nfhs.ca.
Dan Mazur is fundraising chairman for the Niagara Falls Humane Society.
Photographs by Virginia MacDonald
