Several years ago, I lost my beloved “fur baby”  after becoming ill and passing away quickly.  Even though I have an extremely busy schedule, it doesn’t negate the loneliness of not having a person or pet to interact with on a daily basis. Approximately a year ago, I decided it was time to rescue a pet that needed a loving, caring home. I determined a toy breed would be easier to travel with.

I applied to numerous pet rescue organizations. Each time I was informed, “no, you are too old.” Too old? I’ve had countless physicians inform me my biological age doesn’t match my activity, physical ability and vitality. Yet, now I’m being informed I am “too old” to give a pet in need, a good home.

Per a study at the University of Michigan, “ Senior pet owners said their pets help them enjoy life, make them feel loved, reduce stress, provide a sense of purpose… Respondents also reported their pets connect them with other people… Among those who lived alone and/or reported fair or poor physical health, 72% said pets help them cope with physical or emotional symptoms.”

I have been seeking a pet on petfinders.com and was ecstatic when I was informed I had been accepted to adopt a little dog. The cost, date and time were set for me to meet him and bring him home. I was scurrying around like a young, expectant mother, cleaning and laundering pet beds, car seats, crates, etc. I was excited, I would now have a “little someone” to interact with.

I arrived at the designated “meet/greet” locale a few minutes early. I stood in astonishment as three women were walking away with the pet which had been promised to me.  I introduced myself to the rescue representative and queried why she had promised him to me, but was now giving him to someone else. She was extremely cavalier in her answers, which were also causing me some concern.

After a sixty plus mile round trip commute, I arrived home empty handed, but also knew that God is always in the details of events in our lives, including pets. I immediately began researching the rescue organization. To my dismay, I discovered it is a scam organization run by a puppy mill. God’s protection was with me.

As I have reflected on the discrimination of seniors adopting pets, I have realized these are people operating according to their rules, not God’s. Only God knows how long anyone will live. As someone mentioned to me recently when I was sharing my pet saga, she had a friend that recently died and was only twenty years old. Any of us can pass away today or tomorrow, no matter our age. 

How grateful I am that God does not discriminate in giving His gift of eternal life. What if He said, “you are too old or too young?” Just as God has so freely and willingly given me my gift of eternal life, I know that if He feels I need a pet, He will provide one for me.  Romans 2:11 NIV, “For God does not show favoritism.”