Mayor Proclaims November As Adopt A Senior Pet Month

Mayor Proclaims November As Adopt A Senior Pet Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2006

For more information:
Virgil Sauder, Manager, Animal Care & Control Department, City of Bloomington, 349.3489
Maria K. Heslin, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349.3569

Bloomington, IN - As part of his Community Condition initiative, Mayor Mark Kruzan has proclaimed November as Adopt a Senior Pet Month in Bloomington. The month helps raise awareness of the great older animals that arrive at shelters nationwide, such as the City of Bloomington Animal Shelter, and the benefits of adopting a senior pet.

"Mature pets make a great addition to a family but often are overlooked in favor of puppies and kittens," Kruzan said. "Visit the shelter and give a deserving senior pet a second chance."

To celebrate the month, the shelter is offering a new Senior-Pet Adoption Program. Half price adoption fees of $27.50 will be offered for senior animals (5 years and older). The adoption fee includes a first round of vaccinations, a free visit to a local veterinary office, heartworm testing, microchip identification and spay/neuter surgery. The market cost of these services is more than $200.

Research shows that pet ownership can be a factor in improved health and well-being for all people, and especially to the senior citizen population. Other benefits of adopting an older pet include:

• Most senior pets are already housetrained or litter trained.
• Older dogs are not teething puppies and won't chew your shoes or furniture.
• What you see is what you get. Older animals already have grown into their shape and personality.
• Older animals are generally calmer and quieter and won't demand as much time and attention as younger, more energetic animals.
• Older animals are grateful for the second chance they have been given and will give you a lifetime of love.

Adoptable animals can be visited at the City of Bloomington Animal Shelter, 3410 S Walnut, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays and Fridays from noon to 7 p.m. Adoptable animals also can be viewed via the shelter web site at [www.bloomington.in.gov/animalshelter|www.bloomington.in.gov/adopt-today/].

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