We've heard so many heartbreaking stories of senior pets being left at shelters [1] for one reason or another: owners don't want to deal with their illnesses, owners have passed away, or owners just got tired of having a pet that was aging. We believe there are many good reasons to adopt a senior pet [2], but Rocky Kanaka, host and creator of Save Our Shelter [3], pointed out what is maybe the best possible reason to go and rescue a senior dog from the shelter: "It'll change that pet's life."

He went on to explain that so many people have told him that their hesitations about adopting a senior pet stem from knowing how sad they'll be when the pet dies fairly quickly after being adopted. But, he said, "Is it about you? Or is it about that pet? It should be about that pet and giving them the best end to their life that you can."

Rocky also said that in his experience, people who rescue senior pets to help them have a loving home for their last months or years end up realizing how impactful that pet is on their lives. "Those people end up rescuing old pets again and again and again, because they just connect with those pets. They never regret doing that for them."

So next time you decide to make a furry addition to your family, heed Rocky's advice and look for that senior pet who really needs you. You'll make more of a difference in his life than you'll probably ever know.