November: A Month to Honour Senior Pets and Responsible Care
- Karen Scheepers
- 4 hours ago
- 5 min read
November is widely recognised as Adopt a Senior Pet Month, a time dedicated to the older animals who continue to wait patiently in shelters for the comfort of a permanent home. At the Orkney & Klerksdorp Animal Shelter, this observance serves as both a celebration and a reminder that love knows no age.
Senior pets often bring a special kind of companionship. They are typically calmer, already familiar with basic routines, and deeply appreciative of kindness. Many have experienced hardship or loss but remain gentle and loyal in spirit. These animals ask for very little, only a warm place to rest and a caring hand to guide them through their later years.
Adopting a senior pet comes with many benefits. They are usually already house-trained, less demanding than younger animals, and form strong emotional bonds with their new families. Older pets can offer a peaceful, fulfilling companionship to individuals and families who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle.
The shelter continues to highlight these older residents throughout the month, encouraging the community to look beyond age and see the love waiting to be shared. Each adoption not only transforms a pet’s life but also opens up space for another animal in need.
🥭 A Second Chance for Luna: From Uncertainty to Belonging
Among the many stories of perseverance and hope, one that stands out is that of Mango, now named Luna. After being adopted and returned within two days, she spent time back at the shelter, confused and heartbroken. Her gentle nature, however, soon caught the attention of another family who saw her true potential.
Luna was given time, patience, and understanding, and she flourished. Today, she is settled, calm, and completely at ease in a home where she feels safe and loved. Her journey from uncertainty to stability reflects the resilience that so many shelter animals possess. Luna’s experience reminds the community that every animal deserves a second chance and that the right match can make all the difference.
🐱 Kittens in Need of Homes
The shelter’s cattery is currently filled to capacity following the arrival of six surrendered kittens and an additional litter from a mother cat housed in Kennel B4. These tiny newcomers can be met in Kennels B2 and B4, where they are being cared for while awaiting adoption.
The growing number of abandoned or unplanned litters underscores the urgent importance of sterilisation. Each time cats and kittens are left at the shelter, it places immense strain on already limited resources. The situation is preventable, and the shelter continues to appeal to the community to act responsibly by ensuring that pets are sterilised.
The ongoing influx of kittens is a clear indicator of the challenges shelters face when pet owners fail to take proactive steps in population control. Those wishing to help can do so by adopting, donating food or supplies, or assisting in spreading awareness about sterilisation.
📞 Adoption Enquiries: 074 306 9811🚫 Note: Due to sterilisation regulations, out-of-area kitten adoptions are not permitted.
🐾 Waiting for a Home: Brucie’s Long Stay
Brucie, a handsome and affectionate dog who arrived at the shelter as a stray, has been waiting for adoption for nine months. He is believed to have been a loved companion at some point, as he is gentle and affectionate towards people.
Although an adoption application was recently submitted, it was unfortunately cancelled. Brucie continues to wait for the right family who will see his value and provide him with the permanent home he has long deserved.
📞 For Enquiries: 074 306 9811🏡 Out-of-area adoptions are available for Brucie.
🐕 Joyful News: Coco and Daisy Find Forever Homes
Two small Yorkie mix puppies, Coco and Daisy, who were surrendered at just twelve weeks old, have found their forever homes. These two playful sisters were briefly placed in a foster home, and thanks to swift community support, both have now been adopted.
Their adoption highlights the positive outcomes that result when people choose to open their homes and hearts to shelter animals. Each successful adoption lightens the workload of shelter staff and makes room for other animals in need of help and safety.
💔 The Return of Zoya and Karoolsie
Two mature dogs, Zoya, a Yorkie, and Karoolsie, a Miniature Pinscher cross, have recently returned to the shelter. Both struggled to adjust in an environment with cats, leading to conflict and the difficult decision to return them.
Zoya and Karoolsie are affectionate and loyal, well-suited to homes without other pets where they can receive individual attention. They do not need to be adopted together. Mature animals like these are often calm and deeply loving, making them ideal companions for quieter households.
📞 Contact: 074 306 9811🏡 Out-of-area adoptions welcome
Responsible Pet Ownership and Shelter Realities 🩺
Across the region, the Orkney & Klerksdorp Animal Shelter continues to face increasing challenges resulting from irresponsible pet ownership. A growing number of unsterilised animals are being surrendered or abandoned, leaving shelters overwhelmed and resources stretched thin.
While many pet owners face economic hardship, the shelter reminds the community that owning a pet requires commitment to basic needs such as food, shelter, medical care, and sterilisation. Failure to meet these responsibilities contributes directly to overpopulation, neglect, and unnecessary suffering.
The shelter operates without government funding and relies solely on community donations and volunteer assistance. The emotional and physical toll on staff is significant, as they are often required to make difficult decisions, including euthanasia, when overcrowding and illness leave no alternatives.
Shelter teams are dedicated to animal welfare and work tirelessly to provide care, rehabilitation, and safe rehoming. Their efforts depend on public cooperation and respect.
The community can help reduce shelter intake and improve animal welfare through the following actions:
🩺 Sterilise pets to prevent unwanted litters
🍲 Provide adequate nutrition, housing, and veterinary care
💬 Treat shelter staff and volunteers with respect
🐾 Adopt or foster animals responsibly
📢 Educate others on ethical pet ownership
By taking shared responsibility, the burden on shelters can be reduced, and more animals can receive the care they need.
Working Together for a Kinder Future 🐕🦺
As the year moves toward its end, the Orkney & Klerksdorp Animal Shelter continues to uphold its mission through compassion, community involvement, and education. November’s focus on senior pets serves as a reminder that every life, regardless of age or circumstance, holds immense value.
Whether it is an elderly dog waiting for comfort, a kitten searching for safety, or a loyal companion hoping for a second chance, every animal’s story matters. Through collective action and responsible care, the community can create a more humane environment where fewer animals suffer and more find love.
All image Credits: Orkney & Klerksdorp Animal Shelter
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