I only learned of the Blogpaws' Be the Change for Pets challenge yesterday, and was especially excited to find out about this week's big focus: Adopt A Less-Adoptable Pet Week. I've worked and volunteered in shelters for most of my adult life, and so have had the extraordinary privilege of meeting a whole lot of so-called "Less Adoptable" pets: the dogs who've gone a bit grey at the muzzle, sight-impaired cats or hearing-impaired hounds; animals whose devotion will know no bounds, if we can just see our way past that preconceived notion of what makes the perfect pet.
What does make the perfect pet, for you? Adopting a less adoptable pet doesn't mean ignoring your lifestyle or personality just to make a point - if you like to lay around more often than not and your idea of a good romp is a leisurely stroll in the front yard, then probably a pit bull isn't the best pet for you. But, a senior dog may be just the friend you've been looking for. Likewise, if you're on the go and want someone to keep up with you over hill and dale in the wee hours of the morn'... Well, that high-energy dog at the local shelter who's dragging the junior volunteer up and down the avenue? May be just the fit for you. Adopting a less-adoptable pet is about knowing yourself, understanding your strengths and your limitations, and looking outside the box to find the perfect companion for you. It may be that the fluffy puppy with the long line of prospective families won't fit nearly as well into your life as the shaggy dog in the corner with the winsome grin that everyone seems to pass by.
This week, follow Blogpaws' excellent advice: Give them a second glance.
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