Experienced in the solar energy components industry as the co-founder and head of sales at GTSP Global, Inc., in Boise, Idaho, Steve Verschoor is also the co-founder of innovative Molecular Testing Labs in Vancouver, Washington. In addition to his professional activities, Steve Verschoor remains a committed community volunteer at his local animal shelter.
While many families focus on adopting a shelter puppy or kitten, animal advocates urge prospective adoptive pet parents not to forget about the many benefits an older pet offers. Older dogs, for example, are typically already house-broken, with shelter staff taking care to ensure that these senior animals retain their training before adoption.
Senior dogs remain highly teachable in multiple aspects of their lives, and most have a longer attention span than puppies. In addition, older animals’ personalities and temperaments have already had time to become established, making it easier to pick the one with the characteristics that will best fit a particular household.
Older pets that have experienced traumatic situations seem to understand their own vulnerability, and many forge instant strong emotional bonds with the humans who give them a permanent home. Regardless of the conditions that led to their placement in a shelter, older dogs and cats often shower their new humans with love and loyalty.
And for their advocates, this may be the strongest reason to adopt an older pet: Adoption can save a life. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), some 1.5 dogs and cats in American shelters are euthanized. Many of these being older pets are considered “unadoptable” for no reason other than their age.
Steve Verschoor 