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The fastest-growing demographic in Australia today is single seniors living alone. For one of these seniors, Wendy, the decision to adopt an adult pet provided the meaningful connection she craved.
"If there isn’t at least one pet sharing your life, you are missing out on something no amount of money can buy," Wendy advises. "The best way to make your final years truly golden is to adopt a pet, thereby giving a pet as well as yourself a second chance at happiness and companionship."
Wendy found her newest companion on the PetRescue website: Lexi, a lovely dog with an adorable face, looking for love. Just six weeks after the heartbreaking loss of her dog, Foxy, Wendy opened the website "just to look" - it wasn’t long before she came across Lexi’s profile.
"Even before reading her back-story, I said to myself, 'I have to have that dog!'" she recalls. She felt she could be the right guardian for Lexi, and despite an internal voice telling her it was "too soon," she quickly enquired.
The day Lexi found her wag
Lexi was timid at first, a result of three years confined to a breeding kennel pen. On arrival, she was submissive but willing to explore her new surroundings. Wendy’s remedy was simple: constant love and patience.
"I talked to her constantly (still do) and, on the second day, she responded for the first time with a tail-wag," Wendy says. "I knew then that things were going to work out for us, and I was right, because she hasn’t stopped wagging her tail since!"
With the help of a qualified positive reinforcement trainer, Lorraine Van Orsouw from Belgrave South Veterinary Clinic, and a sweet-natured new best friend at the dog park named Ruby, Lexi grew more confident. She transformed from a nervous pooch into an independent explorer who walks with "sheer exhilaration," freely doing all the "doggy things she had not yet experienced."
The constant through the storm
Lexi proved to be more than a companion; she became a lifeline. Just nine months after adoption, a freak storm ripped through Wendy’s house, forcing her and Lexi to move multiple times over six months as she dealt with the stressful process of rebuilding her home of over 40 years.
"The one constant through all of the upheaval and stress has been Lexi. She’s always there, providing love, companionship, a reason to get out of the house every day and (often) something to laugh at."
To Wendy's great relief, Lexi took everything in her stride. "She adapted instantly to each new move, enthusiastically exploring all new surroundings and seemingly happy to just 'go with the flow' as long as I am there."
Taking on PetRescue’s Best Friends' Walk challenge, together
Having found two beautiful companions through PetRescue, Wendy and Lexi were keen to help others find their best friends by joining Best Friends' Walk. Wendy decided to set a personal fundraising challenge: $1 per kilometre. She initially self-donated $50, setting their goal at 50 kilometres, which quickly jumped to a healthy 75 kilometres thanks to a friend’s support.
"I reckon we nailed it," Wendy shares proudly.
Wendy says the best part of the month wasn't the distance, but the chance to spread the word. Lexi’s Best Friends Walk bandana sparked questions from other dog guardians out walking, giving Wendy a chance to talk about the importance of pet adoption.
"The highlight of the month came when one lady said she was planning to get a companion for Charlie, her lovely senior dog, and had in mind acquiring a 'rescue'... Mission accomplished!"
Lexi proudly wearing her Best Friends' Walk bandana.
Advice for senior adopters
Wendy, who encourages other seniors to be realistic about their activity level, says an adult pet is often the perfect fit.
"I wouldn’t recommend that seniors adopt puppies," she notes. "Senior cats and dogs, on the other hand, will generally fit seamlessly into the rhythm of your life, asking nothing more from you than love. And in between these two age extremes are hundreds of pets just like Lexi, looking for a home just like yours!"
Lexi is an inspiring reminder that an adult rescue dog can often fit seamlessly into an established lifestyle, proving that love, companionship, and a second chance know no age limit.
Start your search for your new furry companion. Meet senior dogs and senior cats looking for love.
