Community Corner
In Defense Of Older Pets
Older homeless pets like Edwin are often overlooked when it comes to placing them in homes.
Ageism doesn't just exist in the job market or fashion industry, and it doesn't affect just people.
It also affects pets who are looking for good homes.
Edwin, an older and homeless tomcat rescued by LifeLine Animal Project a few weeks ago, is in real danger of spending the rest of his life in a shelter and not on someone's couch, cuddling or sleeping snuggled next an owner's feet.
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Edwin is a bit weathered from his former life surviving on the streets, but it doesn't seem to have dented his enthusiasm for people.
He's a good cat and he's a loving cat, he's just not a young cat.
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Puppies and kittens remain popular while older dogs and cats are often passed over by people looking to acquire a pet. Yet older pets don't eat your slippers or climb your curtains and there's a certain gentle grace and charm that an older pet brings.
The many reasons that people list for having pets -- they add something beautiful to their lives, they provide companionship and unconditional love, they make a house seem more like a home -- are just as true for older pets as for younger ones.
Edwin came to LifeLine covered in street dirt and suffering from a painful urinary tract blockage, a condition not unusual in un-neutered male cats.
He's neutered now, on a special food for his condition and ready to be fostered or adopted by someone who can offer a loving home and wants an "oldie but goodie" faithful, feline friend.
"It's hard to tell how old he is because cats who live on the streets for any length of time always look older," explained Mickie Blair, who has worked at LifeLine for 3 years and sees hundreds of homeless cats annually.
"He could be 10; he could be 15," she said. "Edwin looks like he's seen everything and he probably has. But it hasn't made him difficult. He's sweet and he gives the best hugs. He loves people."
Having been outside most, if not all, of his life, Edwin truly loves the comfort of having a cat bed. He's contented and appears to really enjoy no longer having to hunt for something to eat.
"I call him 'Big Ed,' " said Blair. "He's a great cat and he deserves to live the rest of his life with love and comfort."
If you can offer Edwin a foster or forever home, please contact mblair@lifelineanimal.org .
