SENIORS RULE! By Lori Fiss of Marion, IL

In December 18, 2003, I was working when my mother called me informing me of a 10 year old Sheltie up for adoption at the shelter of the Humane Society of Southern Illinois. I had wanted a dog for quite some time but didn’t really have time to adequately care for a puppy. She told me to go onto the internet and look at the dog’s picture.

I found the love of my life….Chelsea! I immediately called the shelter and told them as soon as I could get off work I would be there to apply for her adoption.

Since that day I have found that adopting a “senior” is an absolute correct thing to do for many animal lovers such as myself. She is already housebroken and doesn’t make any mistakes in the house. She also revealed to us upon accident that she sits, speaks, and even ROLLS OVER! Of course, this in turn for a much needed treat.

Chelsea has been such a comfort to me. She knows when I’ve had a hard day at work and soothes my emotions many times over. She’s always snuggling and sleeps with me every night. She had some coughing at first so a quick trip to the veterinarian and some medicine quickly cured that. She loves to go outside and chase the squirrels but doesn’t leave her boundary. She always comes right back in. When she needs to go out she barks by the door. Chelsea has bonded with me so much that I really don’t know what I would do if anything would happen to her. She is the first face I see when I come home after work and the last face I see as I leave for work every morning. She loves a daily walk and a fun romp then settles in for some television.

I would like to encourage anyone looking for a pet to consider an older dog as the rewards are tremendous!