For the Love of Dog

Anyone who knows us knows we're all about the dogs, especially the older ones who find their lives turned upside down because they've lost their home and their family. We are truly soft touches when it comes to the seniors, so it amazes us that so many are overlooked at shelters.

Andrew and I both had to wait a very long time to welcome a dog into our lives. When we finally were able to adopt, we weren't looking for a senior pet, but it was Jake -- a big, goofy mutt aged "at least 8 years old" -- who won our hearts and showed us how much fuller our lives were when sharing love, laughs, and mutual respect with a sweet, calm, and undemanding four-legged companion. 

Although we had to say goodbye to our sweet Jake in December 2006, we continue to honor him and all he taught us by supporting the work of Young At Heart Pet Rescue. The all-volunteer 501c3 nonprofit's primary mission is to rescue and rehome mature dogs and cats (ages 5 and up) who find themselves in high-kill Illinois shelters. Through its efforts, the rescue also hopes to reduce the euthanasia rate (which in turn, reduces financial burden on the community) among otherwise adoptable older animals. To these ends, Young At Heart uses all the resources available to it to educate the public on the benefits of adopting an older pet.

Seniors Rule!

As we learned with our Jake:

• Older pets are often calmer and less demanding. Most even require less exercise than their younger counterparts. 
• Most older pets are already housebroken or litterbox trained. 
• Older pets typically know the house rules (bones are for chewing, shoes are for wearing; beds are for sleeping, yards are for peeing...).
• Older pets mean fewer surprises. Their personalities are already formed, so you'll know if they're couch potatoes or jumping beans, if they're good with kids or "adults only," if they enjoy the company other pets or prefer to soak up all the attention themselves.
• Older pets seem to be aware -- and grateful -- that they've been given another chance at happiness. They live every day of their lives by returning the love they get a thousand times over.   

Despite the joy and love that older pets can bring -- not to mention the relative ease of integrating them into a new household -- most languish in shelters, passed over by adopters until their time is up. If not for rescues like Young At Heart, terrific dogs like our Jake, our Fargus, and our Thilby are euthanized because they're considered too old to be adoptable.

Our Canine Family

With the exception of Olive, our "accidental rescue" (the now 3-year-old Boxer joined our household when she was less than 1 year young as the victim of a neighbor's neglect), all our dogs have been adopted at ages that most would consider "past their prime." Fargus came to us in September 2004 when he was 5 years old. His spirit, silliness, and empathy (yes, empathy) have made him an amazing companion to us, a supportive younger brother to Jake, and the world's best sibling, playmate, and overall hero to little sister Olive. In tribute to Jake, we recently added Thilby to the clan. After spending the first 8 years of her life in a cage making puppies for a commercial breeder, the 18-pound pug is now enjoying a great life full of soft beds, happy snuggles, and daily walks in the park.

We Need Your Support

Because anyone who's known the love of an older pet can agree with Young At Heart's motto, "Gray Muzzles, Gold Hearts," Andrew, Olive, and I will be walking in the rescue's 2nd Annual Mutt Mosey on September 26. Please consider showing your support for us, our rescued dogs, and the animals of Young At Heart. Young At Heart is only four years old, and like other nonprofs, it's feeling the economic pinch of the recession. A tax-deductible donation of any size -- large or small -- will be appreciated and used to save wonderful animals that deserve to receive just as much love as they have to give. 

For more info on Young At Heart Pet Rescue, its mission, and other upcoming events,* please visit http://yahpetrescue.com.  

*  Upcoming Young At Heart Events:
    October 1-31: YAH Adopt-A-Dog Month (adoption fee reduced to just $100!) 
    October 2: YAH on WGN Midday News! POSTPONED DUE TO OLYMPIC
    COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENT
    October 3: Monthly Adoption Day at Best Friends Pet Care, 22096 N Pet Lane,
    Prairie View (Lincolnshire), IL, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

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A Quick 'P.S.'  A huge "thank you" to those who've already donated to the cause. The beautiful faces of some our supporters are featured on the left side of this page. For pictures of all of Team Ortolano's generous donors, please use this hyperlink to view the Complete Team Ortolano Mutt Mosey Flickr PhotoStream.

And a Post-Mosey Note... To view pictures of Team Ortolano at the 2009 Twin Lakes event, please visit our Team O at the Mutt Mosey PhotoStream. In addition to enjoying beautiful weather and a leisurely walk around the picturesque grounds of Twin Lakes, Team Ortolano helped Young At Heart to meet and exceed its goal, with the rescue raising a grand total of $11,052.25 to help homeless senior pets! 

Way to go, Young At Heart ! ! !