Last Updated on June 10, 2024 by Fumipets
Senior Dogs ‘Overlooked’ in Shelter Get Glitzy Hollywood Outing
Two shelter dogs recently received VIP treatment as they waltzed down the red carpet for The Garfield Movie premiere in Los Angeles. This glitzy outing on May 19 aimed to help with their adoption, as the staff at Vanderpump Dogs rescue center, co-founded by Lisa Vanderpump of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, want nothing more than to see them find a loving home.
Meet Cody and Wilfred
Cody: A Resilient Survivor
Cody is estimated to be around 7 years old and has been with the rescue center located in West Hollywood Park, on and off since 2020. Despite being adopted for three years, Cody, with a crooked snout, was returned to the shelter in late 2023 due to his family’s financial struggles.
Wilfred: The Elder Statesman
Wilfred, a 15-year-old dog with pointed ears, has had a tougher journey. Rescued from a high-kill shelter two months ago after his owner passed away, he required significant dental surgery and is now looking for someone to love again.
The Hollywood Red Carpet Event
Star-Studded Evening
In a popular post shared by @vanderpumpdogs, Cody and Wilfred can be seen posing with American actress Cecily Strong, who voices the villain Marge Malone in the movie. The canines can be seen lapping up the love during the red carpet event. This outing was more than just a glamorous evening; it was a strategic move to give these senior dogs the exposure they need to find forever homes.
Supporting Senior Pets
Newsweek discussed the event with Dr. Stacey Bone, a veterinarian and senior brand manager at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. He emphasized the value of adopting senior pets. “Puppies and kittens are cute, but they also need a ton of extra attention and training. Senior pets have so much love left to give, and their laid-back personalities make them perfect for lots of different homes,” he told Newsweek. “Adopting a senior pet is a great way to give these well-deserving, and often overlooked, pets another chance to live a life of vitality.”
Benefits of Adopting Senior Pets
Why Senior Pets?
Senior pets often have more stable temperaments and require less training compared to younger animals. They are typically house-trained and more likely to be content with a relaxed lifestyle. Dr. Bone highlighted, “Senior pets are perfect for those who may not have the energy or time to train a young puppy.”
Health Benefits
Adopting a senior pet can also come with health benefits for the owner. Studies have shown that owning a pet can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase physical activity. Senior pets, with their calm demeanor, are especially good for providing emotional support.
Special Offer from Hill’s Pet Nutrition
A Year’s Worth of Free Food
The outing also included a special offer from Hill’s Pet Nutrition: anyone adopting Cody or Wilfred will receive a year’s worth of free Hill’s Science Diet Senior Vitality dog food. This initiative aims to reduce the number of senior pets languishing in shelters and encourage potential adopters to consider older dogs.
The Importance of Senior Pet Care
Regular Veterinary Visits
Dr. Bone shared advice on how to look after a senior pet and ensure they are healthy and comfortable. “One of the best ways to care for your senior pet is to set regular appointments with your veterinarian, ideally two times per year. It is important to proactively bring up any issues or concerns and avoid waiting if your pet is presenting any issues. Working together, you can monitor for the signs of aging and create a plan to keep your pet in the best shape possible.”
Proper Nutrition
“Be proactive about what you feed your pets. Our pets go through multiple stages of life, and we should be evaluating nutrition regularly and often. Senior pets are no different, so it is important to switch to a food formulated specifically for seniors. While different pets begin showing age-related signs at different times, veterinarians generally identify pets as seniors around age 7.”
Weight Management
“Like humans, pets’ metabolism slows as they age, so the amount of food they eat may need to be adjusted to avoid weight gain,” Dr. Bone added. Proper portion control and regular exercise are crucial in maintaining a senior pet’s health.
Reasons for Surrendering Pets
Common Causes
These reasons for surrendering pets are common. According to researchers from the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy who analyzed data from 12 selected animal shelters in the United States, and findings published by the American Animal Hospital Association, the top reasons for surrendering pets include:
- Moving
- Having too many animals in the household
- The cost of pet maintenance
- The owner having personal problems
- Illness or death
- Inadequate facilities
- No homes available for littermates
- Having no time for the pet
- Biting
Conclusion
The Hollywood event was a heartwarming success, giving Cody and Wilfred a chance to show their true personalities. Such events are crucial for promoting senior pet adoption, providing these animals with the exposure they need to find forever homes. “Celebrating the aging of pets helps them live long, full lives,” Dr. Bone said. “When pet parents embrace this, they help their pets experience vitality and happiness in their later years.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs
1. Why should I consider adopting a senior pet?
Senior pets often have more stable temperaments and require less training compared to younger animals. They are typically house-trained and more likely to be content with a relaxed lifestyle.
2. How can I ensure my senior pet stays healthy?
Regular veterinary visits, proper nutrition, and weight management are crucial. Set regular appointments with your vet and proactively address any health concerns.
3. What are common reasons people surrender pets?
Common reasons include moving, having too many animals, the cost of pet maintenance, personal problems, illness, or death of the owner, and inadequate facilities.
4. What special offer is available for adopting Cody or Wilfred?
Anyone adopting Cody or Wilfred will receive a year’s worth of free Hill’s Science Diet Senior Vitality dog food, courtesy of Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
5. How does adopting a senior pet benefit me?
Adopting a senior pet can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase physical activity. Senior pets, with their calm demeanor, are especially good for providing emotional support.
For more information, visit the original article on Newsweek: Senior Dogs ‘Overlooked’ in Shelter Get Glitzy Hollywood Outing.
