Due to unfortunate circumstances and through no fault of their own, some older dogs and cats need to find homes. Myself and a friend are trying to place these animals before taking them to the HSSA or a cat shelter. The pets are near and dear to me and they are so deserving as they have been beloved pets and have plenty of spunk left. They are free to a good home but a home visit will be required. Pets are up to date on shots and medical records are available. Email Tucson.tails@yahoo.com or PM Karyn Zoldan on Facebook with questions, or, if interested.

May is Older Americans’ Month, maybe it should coincide with senior pets month. The two go together like peanut butter and jelly or red wine and dark chocolate. Old dogs need love too!  Unconditional love makes the world go round. The pairing of these two wonderful segments of the population is ideal as they provide health benefits to each other in numerous ways. Nothing reduces stress or promotes activity like the unconditional love of a furry friend.

GOING TO THE DOGS

Jennie - I am loyal and loving

JENNIE is an all around great 8 year old  lab-heeler mix. She likes going for walks, being groomed, watching TV, hanging out. Jennie will be your new BFF and loyal friend for life.

Gracie: Let's be amazing together

GRACIE (we call her Amazing Gracie) is an 8 year old lab mix. Gracie has a congenital eye problem that requires a dab of ointment in the corner of her eye on a daily basis but that doesn’t stop her from loving life. She adores being groomed. OMG! She is such a cuddle bug. Gracie would do best in a home with another dog or two as she needs the reassurance of another dog.

Charlie: Handsome good boy

CHARLIE is a character. It’s hard to believe that Charlie almost 11 because he’s a playful lab mix who loves his toys, being groomed, and will make you laugh, laugh, laugh. Currently, he lives with a lot of feminine energy and can be a bit pushy (boys will be boys) but does aim to please. He will also scare away anybody threatening and suspicious at the door. Good boy Charlie.

If you can open your heart and your home to any of these pets, they would be amazingly grateful. All pets get along with respectful children and would make wonderful pets for elderly companions.

ARE YOU WILD ABOUT CATS?

Angel: I'm irrestible

ANGEL is an 8 yr old male tabby weighing in at 13 lbs. Word has it that he is quite a spirited fellow and a little dominant. Yet, he gets along with other cats and dogs.

BeBe: I'm not catty

BEBE is a 4 years old female cat whose nickname is  Buddha. She weighs 13 lbs. She absolutely loves people but doesn’t like other cats or dogs; however, she is able to live with them.

In Los Angeles, during the month of May, many shelters are celebrating senior pets with special discounts and promotions.  I would like to see that happen here in Tucson next year. Let’s plan it.

Please link to this blog post and share it widely with your coworkers, friends, and family. Give Jennie, Gracie, Charlie, Angel, & BeBe another shot at their forever homes; they deserve it.  Thank you

Warm fleece heart pajamas

I follow KOLD-TV anchor Heather Rowe on Facebook and last week she asked the question – How do you make Valentine’s Day special for your sweetheart? The second reply was, “I make heart-shaped chicken liver treats for my dogs.” That got me smiling. And then another person later said, “I will be celebrating Valentine’s Day with my fur baby.”

So there are some of us who don’t have spouses or partners and look to our pets for unconditional love.

Then I wondered if my greyhound Jett loves me as much as I love him?

Of course, no experts agree. Some say dogs don’t feel love while others say dogs do. Do I really care what experts think? Not so much. All I know is that when I come home, I am greeted with unabashed joy. And when I’m sitting on the bed trying to put my shoes on, a big needle nose plops his face on my shoulder and sighs. That’s enough to convince me.

If you have a special friend (the 2-legged kind), consider sending them doggie e-cards. This actually looks kind of cute and you can even upload your own photos for free at Sloppy Kiss Cards.

I should have know that someone somewhere would have already written an article about how to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your dog. Let’s see there’s heart-ish attire, special treats, perhaps a party. Mum is the word. What Jett doesn’t know won’t hurt him. Maybe we’ll celebrate President’s Day instead?

(Photo is courtesy of Danielle Festa, GREY2K USA. The heart “pajamas” were a Valentine’s Day promotion and are modeled by Hope and Zoe.)