Every homeless pet at Palmetto Animal League longs for a home, but none so much as our Silver Paw Seniors. The shelter environment can be especially difficult for older pets. At PAL, adoption fees are always waived for senior cats, 10 years or older, and senior dogs, 8 years or older, but despite this incentive, many of our Silver Paws go overlooked for far too long.
In 2021, PAL rescued a 10-year-old dog named Michaela from a shelter that was closing. This gentle soul gave new meaning to the phrase “puppy dog eyes” and seeing her in the kennel broke our hearts. Before long, one of PAL’s longtime volunteer dog walkers took a special interest in Michaela.
“I brought her home for a quiet and peaceful weekend,” says PAL volunteer and adopter Daverly Kozup. “Michaela was such an excellent houseguest that my husband Charles and I decided to foster her.”
Daverly and Charles had never fostered before, but there was just something about Michaela.
“If one is a senior like we are, we can relate to relaxing and a slower pace,” says Kozup “Michaela is loving, obedient, and loyal. She has given us joy, and it’s so rewarding to see her happy.”
After about six months had passed, we all knew Michaela had found her perfect place in this world.
“She was part of the family, and we couldn’t part with her,” says Kozup.
As Michaela nears her 12th birthday, she has discovered the benefits of riding instead of walking.
“Riding in a golf cart is a Disneyland experience for her,” says Kozup smiling. “Having arthritis, I believe she enjoys the scenery without putting her paws on the pavement.”
If you’d like to open your heart and home to a senior pet like Michaela, PAL would love to help match you with one of these amazing and deserving, old souls.
“In her past, Michaela was not taken care of properly, and it’s our pledge to make sure she is loved and pampered for the rest of her doggie years,” says Kozup.
You can also help give homeless pets the life they’ve always deserved by taking part in PAL’s most important fundraiser. The 14th Annual ‘Bid for PAL’ Online Auction takes place Thursday, September 7 at 8 a.m. through Sunday, September 10 at 8 p.m. Participants enjoy browsing our online catalog filled with some of the most sought-after items Bluffton, Hilton Head, and Beaufort have to offer! Visit PALauction.org, and let your heart do the bidding.
Amy Campanini, Palmetto Animal League President
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Thank you to our Partners in Rescue, The Bluffton Sun and The Hilton Head Sun for being beacons of compassion and hope for homeless pets in our community. Please show your support for these local animal loving businesses!
