At the Orange County Animal Services, the staff and volunteers couldn’t have been sadder for a bonded pair of 18-year-old cats, Rusty (A023154) and Tigger (A194586), who have had a tough month. Their owner, who had them since they were kittens, passed away a month ago. The bonded pair went into foster care immediately to try to avoid having to come to the shelter at their fragile age.
That weekend, the two were brought to an adoption event where they were adopted together. Unfortunately, the adopter immediately introduced Rusty and Tigger to the family dog; the cats not having been used to dogs were terrified and didn’t have a chance to get used to their new home. And less than five hours later, the seniors were returned to the shelter. Their adopters just didn’t want to have anything to do with the situation.
Check out their video:
Photographer Albert Harris, from the communication team at the shelter, told his TikTok followers it had nothing to do with the cats; the adopter didn’t properly introduce the cats to the dog and to their new home, explaining how other animals and new pets have to be introduced slowly into new environments.
It will never be like on social media where you see cats and dogs miraculously get along with each other.
Albert Harris on TikTok
Social media, however can be just as encouraging! Harris posted a follow-up, sharing another video showing the cats had been officially adopted again.
Check this out:
And what could be more heartwarming seeing the seniors leaving the shelter with their new owners, and the song “Can’t Help Falling in Love” playing in the background?
Yes, senior pets can be more work, but the rewards far outweigh the extra effort. Adopt a senior pet, and be prepared to fall deeply in love.
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