August 12 is Petfinder's "Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet" day spotlighting seniors, special needs, or dogs that have just been plain overlooked. All dogs deserve a wonderful, loving home and most dogs, even those with issues, can be matched with the right home.
For people who are not so active but want a companion, a senior pet might be just perfect. Senior dogs still have a desire to play and have fun but they can't go as long or as hard as young pups. For households calmer and quieter in nature, a senior pet will fit right in with the less active family. Older pets have numerous advantages over younger pets.
Special needs pets, felines with FIV or canines with a bum leg for example, need special homes where the humans are willing to deal with the special need but also where the pet won't be seen as "broken". As with special needs people, special needs pets may require extra attention or care but the love they give back is 1000-fold over any extra care. Everyone can learn from a special needs pet, learn to overcome obstacles and live in the happiness of the moment. Three-legged dogs don't care that they are three-legged. They might run a little slower but they will love their human just as much as a four-legged dog.
Quite often, pets are just simply overlooked. Maybe they have small issues or don't stand out in a crowd. The "black dog syndrome" is often a problem because dark dogs don't photograph well. Very large dogs are not adopted as often because people think a big dog in the house is difficult or that they can't handle a big dog. However, big dogs handle just as well as smaller dogs with good obedience training and if a teenager can fit into a house, so can a big dog. Big dogs are great protectors simply due to their size. Every pet has its own special qualities that would make it perfect in the right home.
Advocates of adopting less adoptable pets will tell you that it was the best decision they ever made. These pets are loyal and loving and wonderful despite, or due to, their special status.
Support your local animal shelter or rescue and adopt a less adoptable pet on August 12.
