12岁老犬和10岁老猫还在等家：圣迭戈人道协会呼吁给高龄宠物第二次机会
位于加州圣迭戈县的圣迭戈人道协会11月2日发布消息，借11月「领养高龄宠物月」，呼吁更多人考虑把年纪较大的宠物带回家。协会表示，幼犬幼猫常常抢走注意力，但高龄动物同样是很好的伴侣，它们性格已经定型、有生活经验，也有满满的爱意可以分享。
协会举例说，12岁的狗 Mike Jack 和10岁的猫 Ali 都还在耐心等待自己的家人，几根灰胡须不该成为它们找到有爱之家的障碍。协会总裁兼首席执行官加里·韦茨曼（Gary Weitzman）说，高龄宠物能给的很多，却常只因为年纪被忽视；想要一个悠闲的散步伙伴、沙发上的陪伴者或忠实的朋友，年长的宠物都可能是理想选择。
协会列出领养高龄宠物的四个理由：性格、体型和精力水平都已明确，领养人更容易找到与自己生活方式合拍的伙伴；许多高龄动物以前住过家庭，熟悉基本口令和居家日常，过渡更顺；它们大多满足于慢悠悠的散步、晒太阳的小憩和陪伴时光；而且高龄宠物进收容所往往不是自己的错，给它们一个安稳的晚年就是一次实实在在的第二次机会。圣迭戈人道协会成立于1880年，在 El Cajon、Escondido、Oceanside、Ramona 和圣迭戈市设有园区，有意领养者可到其官网查看待领养动物。（来源：圣迭戈人道协会）
A 12-Year-Old Dog and a 10-Year-Old Cat Are Still Waiting: San Diego Humane Society Champions Senior Pets
The San Diego Humane Society in San Diego County, California, issued a call on November 2 for more people to consider adopting an older pet, marking Adopt a Senior Pet Month this November. The society says puppies and kittens often steal the spotlight, while senior animals make equally wonderful companions, with established personalities, life experience and plenty of affection to share.
Among the senior pets hoping for a new start are Mike Jack, a 12-year-old dog, and Ali, a 10-year-old cat, both waiting patiently at the society to find their people. Dr. Gary Weitzman, the society's president and CEO, said senior pets have so much to offer yet can be overlooked simply because of their age, adding that an older pet could be the perfect match for anyone looking for a relaxed walking buddy, a cozy couch companion or a loyal friend.
The society lists four reasons to adopt a senior pet: their personalities, sizes and energy levels are established, making it easier to find a companion who fits your lifestyle; many have lived in homes before and may know basic commands and household routines; many are content with leisurely walks, sunny napping spots and quality time; and senior pets often end up in shelters through no fault of their own, so adopting one gives them their golden years in a safe, loving home. Founded in 1880, the society has campuses in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside, Ramona and San Diego, and adoptable pets can be viewed on its website. (Source: San Diego Humane Society)
来源：圣迭戈人道协会
发布：GSM·美国（发布链接）
图片来源：图片来源：志愿者抱着一只在临时犬舍登记的狗（Jocelyn Augustino / FEMA 摄，Wikimedia Commons，Public domain） / Image: 志愿者抱着一只在临时犬舍登记的狗, by Jocelyn Augustino / FEMA, Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
GSM Global · 本篇英文版 English edition of this story
