Sure, puppies, kittens and other young animals are adorable. But just like their human counterparts, these babies require an extensive commitment of time and energy from their guardians. For many Americans, busy schedules and work commitments prevent them from being able to provide the kind of round-the-clock care that younger animals require.

Typically, the older dogs are already housebroken and have passed the destructive chewing phase.

"I want a pet who will bond with my family" -- The truth is that forming a strong connection with a pet has little to with the animal's age at the time of adoption.

Before giving in to the pull of a young animal, adopters need to remember that every animal up for adoption used to be a baby—and that adult animals can be every bit as sweet, cute and playful as their younger counterparts.

Anyone who's ever observed an infant and wondered what he would look like as an adult knows that, without meeting his parents, it would be hard to guess. In the same way, it's hard to determine what kind of characteristics a puppy or kitten will have until the animal is an adult. In contrast, it's much easier for potential adopters to get a sense of an mature animal's qualities—including size, temperament, and personality—and to make a more informed decision based on their expectations.

But those who choose to adopt an adult pet can take extra comfort in knowing that they're giving a home to an animal who may otherwise be overlooked. As they age, dogs and cats tend to have an increasingly hard time finding an adoptive family. For many adopters, giving an older animal a home is an act of compassion.

More and more animal-lovers are finding out that their perfect pet isn't a puppy or kitten but an adult animal. In the process, they're learning just how easy it is to teach an older pet new tricks—like showing their best friend how to love again.

                            

"As a society, we respect and honor those who have lived long lives. And so it should be for our special animal friends."