Could age be a factor when trying to adopt pets?

Dear Cathy: I read about the senior who couldn’t adopt a pet because of her age. I live in South Florida and have tried for a year to adopt an adult dog. Rejection followed.

I am 81, walk every morning, attend water aerobics and have stopped traveling. I manage my financial affairs and am able to give a rescue dog a home. I live in a house with grass and trees, neighbors who walk small dogs and friends willing to assist.

I can’t even get a home visit, let alone a visit inside the kennels. I was told by one rescue I cannot request any breed of dog. I have wanted a schnauzer or schnauzer mix. I had one for 16 years. I have a neighbor who has been volunteering for our local shelter for 14 years. She is now in her 70s. She was rejected from adopting any dog from there.

And talk about restrictions: fenced yard, hours the dog will be left alone, sleeping quarters, veterinarian nearby, etc. — Ruth, Boca Raton, Florida

Dear Ruth: People should not be discriminated against and kept from adopting because of age. I have been friends with a 99-year-old woman for 17 years. Imagine if she had been denied the companionship of a pet because she was 82 years old at the time of adoption. Anyone at any time can die or become incapacitated.

Most shelters and rescue groups have a clause in their contracts that say an animal must be returned to them if the adopter can no longer provide a home for the pet.

So, why don’t they just agree to take the pet back if something unforeseen happens?

That’s what they would do if it were anyone else.

You sound like the perfect adopter.

This nonsensical discrimination must stop.