I love old cats and dogs (all animals really). I currently have four senior pets, one is 19 years old. She has had health problems since I rescued her in 2012, but she is so worth it. Senior pets are wise, calm, quiet, have training under their belt, and keep the younger pets in line. I have a deep bond with Linda. Pets are family members, or should be looked at as such. I get shocked and dismayed when I read about someone abandoning their senior pet at a kill shelter. That is the thanks they get for all their loyalty, love and companionship? The poor animal is not only traumatized at finding himself/herself in a scary shelter environment suddenly, but is in danger of being euthanized, because many people overlook older pets when looking to adopt, sadly. City shelters euthanize for lack of space, and even when animals get upper respiratory infections because it spreads fast in a shelter environment. They are often not straightforward in telling the public that this happens.
When senior pets become ill or arthritic, there are options to help them feel better, or even be cured of whatever ailment they have. I personally recommend homemade food and natural medicine, such as homeopathy. Homeopathy strengthens the immune system, to fight against many diseases. My elderly cat is doing quite well after more than a year being diagnosed with lymphoma. Her holistic veterinarian and I are doing a regimen which seems to have cured or put into remission her condition.
It is advised by experts to take your senior pet to the veterinarian twice a year. The reason is because at their age, they can develop tumors, kidney disease, thyroid disease, arthritis or other problems, which should be treated quickly. Even if you think your pet looks fine, there could be something deadly lurking in her body - pets are good at hiding their symptoms until you find her under the bed or vomiting. It may be too late then.
There is no excuse not to treat your pet for injury or sickness. There are low-cost veterinarians, vet mobiles, community clinics. And there are charities who help people out when they can’t afford an expensive treatment or surgery their pet needs. Just do some research online or ask your veterinarian or SPCA to direct you. One of my other cats, Petunia, had a blockage in 2022 - the vet said it had to be removed surgically. I was in a panic; it was urgent or she could die. My beautiful 9 year old Petunia was in danger. He said it would cost $7000 at other vets (he could not do the surgery); he was checking for other options for me. That is a lot of money, but I was prepared to do anything for her. I use CareCredit card which helps. I remembered in my worry about Low-Cost Vet Mobile- Petunia was there as a kitten, so I mentioned this to the doctor. He checked out their web page, contacted them and set up an appointment for the next day. It cost much less than other vets, and her life was saved!
Most of all, love goes a long way in healing older pets. Love can give them the impetus to rise up out of depression from being abandoned by their family, if you’ve adopted a dog, cat or rabbit or bird from a rescue or shelter. Love can heal some diseases, quicken healing from an injury, perk up their appetite. Companion animals are innocent creatures who just want to be loved and give their love. They may not speak our language, but if you observe and listen closely, you can communicate with your companion animal and develop a deep enduring bond that way. Treat them with the respect and kindness and compassion that they deserve.
