  I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Senior Pet Month than by sharing my own senior pet story. Meet Cooper! Like many senior pets, Cooper found himself at the shelter when his owner became ill. Unfortunately, Cooper was not well either and had not received regular grooming or much needed medication for his eyes. Cooper suffers from Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), also known as dry eye, a condition where his eyes do not produce tears. Cooper's eyes were painful, red, ulcerated, and crusted over by a thick discharge. Staff immediately groomed him, flushed his tear ducts, and started him on medication. I knew from the moment I saw him that he would never be in that type of pain again, because he was going to be a permanent part of my family. I've fostered and adopted many dogs over the years, but I've always had a soft spot for senior pets. Cooper is my third senior dog from DCAS!
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Cooper couldn't see when he arrived, but now he is zooming around the yard, snuggling his humans on the couch, and even enjoying the company of my backyard chickens and foster rabbits. I love how he paws at my hand to keep petting him. It makes me happy to know I can give him a comfortable and loving home in his senior years.
Sadly, not all senior pets find a new home as fast as Cooper. Throughout the nation, younger dogs and cats have a 60% adoption rate from rescues and shelters – while the senior pet adoption rate is only 25%. We want to get the word out about how amazing senior pets can be. Puppies and kittens may be cute, but they are a lot of work. Senior pets typically have a lot of hidden perks:
- Calmer demeanor
- Already have the training basics
- Less prone to destructive behavior
- Full-grown – no guessing how big they’ll get!
- Personalities are more established
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Of course, the big thing we think about with senior pets is potential health concerns. But remember, age is not a disease – and prevention is the key to a healthy life for us all. Talk to your veterinarian about ways you can help your senior pet ease into their retirement years. Just like for humans, mental and physical exercise are important at every stage in life. And don’t worry, you can absolutely teach an old dog new tricks!
 Laura Flamion,
Interim Administrator
All Senior Pets adopted at DCAS during November will go home with a full month's worth of food!
Mental and physical exercise are important for pets of all ages! Enrichment is just a fancy word for letting your pets show off their natural instincts in fun ways.
 Natasha is DCAS' longest resident, arriving at the shelter 308 days ago. When she arrived in January, the trees were bare and snow covered the ground. She's spent the months watching the seasons turn, waiting for it to be her turn. Natasha prefers to be the only pet in the home, soaking up all the love and attention from the people in her life.
This senior gal has so many wonderful qualities, we are baffled she's been with us for so long!
- Crate Trained
- House Trained
- Knows sit, down, speak, and paw
- Mellow temperament
- Loves meeting new people
Can you help her find her forever home? Can you share Natasha's story of perseverance with your friends and loved ones? Somewhere, there's a family who will make sure Natasha doesn't watch another season as a shelter dog. Let's find Natasha a home before all the leaves disappear for another year! Click her photo to learn more about Natasha and spread the word about this sweet senior!
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The new shelter is almost done, and we're ready to welcome new programs and events!!
We are now accepting bookings and reservations for Spring & Summer of 2025 for:
- Birthday Parties
- Scout Programs
- Educational Programs
- Shelter Tours
- Event Rentals
Explore our website to learn more about our educational opportunities. More details will be added as we get closer to 2025!
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