Wanted: Loving homes for mature dogs and cats

As you walk past their kennels you are met with soulful, patient eyes waiting for someone to adopt them. Ever hopeful, they wait patiently for someone to give them a home. While it is hard to imagine how anyone could lose or abandon these wonderful pets, they are awaiting adoption at the shelter. Once faithful to previous owners, they are now alone.

Mature dogs offer many advantages as a canine companion. Long past the puppy stage of house training, chewing and obedience training, a mature dog can offer companionship and behavior based on experience. With energy and spirit to spare, these dogs want to find a home again and be loved. The match can be especially good for seniors or someone living alone. The mature dog can encourage exercise, socializing and better health for the new owner through companionship.

The Douglas County Animal Shelter currently has three mature dogs available for adoption. Each dog has a unique personality. Benjamin is a black Lab male, playful and friendly, but is very shy at 5 years old. J.D. is a black Lab mix male, friendly and good on a leash at 4 years old. Two-year-old Sabrina is a black Lab female, very well behaved and good on walks. Carly is a lovable female cat, gray with white paws, is friendly and cuddly, at 4 years old. Why not come out and visit these wonderful dogs and cats and see what might develop?

The dogs and cats at the shelter are ready for adoption. They just need responsible, loving families or individuals to share a home. All that is required is food, exercise, shelter and quality time. In exchange they give unconditional love, loyalty and companionship.

Douglas Animal Welfare Group volunteers work with the dogs each day providing exercise, socialization and training. All that is needed is the adoptive individual or family to make the match. The Douglas County Animal Shelter is located at 921 Pinenut Road, Gardnerville. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Contact the shelter at 782-9061 for further information. Or contact DAWG at 267-7325.

n Marabel Moorhead is a volunteer for DAWG.