senior cats

5 reasons senior dogs and cats are extra special

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Anyone who’s loved a cat or dog into his or her golden years understands the powerful bond shared following years of weathering life’s ups and downs together. And though our senior animals eventually succumb to health problems—a road not easily traveled— physical hardships don’t alter the size of their heart or their capacity to love.

But you may be surprised by the age at which your best furry friend is considered a senior. Different breeds age at different rates: Irish Wolfhounds (so adorable!) enter their sunset years at the mere age of 4.5; other breeds, like Dachshunds, don’t dip a paw into the next chapter until 11. (You can check your dog’s breed here.) Cats become seniors anywhere between 7 and 10 years of age. Keeping up on well checks helps you stay informed.

No matter the breed, our senior animals are easy to cherish! Here are five reasons why I think they are awesome members of the family …

How senior animals teach us to be better people

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Unless your favorite animal companion is a tortoise or a macaw, you know that when you bring home a new dog or cat, that they will unfortunately enter their senior years far too soon. Cats live on average 15 years; dogs, just 10-13.

But because I always try to see the bright side of things, and having shared my life with a senior dog (or two), I like to remind myself of the many ways my senior animals have actually made me a better person through the gifts they share so freely. Here are five incredible gifts of wisdom my senior animals have offered me through the years (do any of these sound familiar to you?) …