KIWI AND KIKI

By Hope Nelson

Age before beauty? Forget the old adage; shih tzus Kiki and Kiwi are cute as buttons and have the wisdom that comes with senior living!

This bonded pair, 16 and 13 years old respectively, arrived at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria in late May when their previous family was no longer able to care for them. They have taken their new living situation in stride – both of them eagerly await new visitors to their kennel, standing at attention at the door to greet passers-by! Shelter staff members say they are a cute little duo who love each other very much and would thrive best in a forever home together.

As is typical with older pets, both dogs came into the shelter with a few manageable but chronic medical issues: Kiki has a heart murmur and also required dental treatment, and Kiwi needs medication daily for a chronic dry-eye condition. None of these conditions have slowed the dogs down, however; they continue to play exuberantly with their toys and enjoy plenty of rest and relaxation with shelter staff and volunteers who come into their kennel to say hello.

“Bonded, older pets bring with them a specific set of needs, but those needs can be easily met by the right adopter,” says Executive Director Megan Webb.

“Older pairs of animals sometimes come to us after their owner has died or can no longer care for them – our goal is to keep these animals together rather than separating them. Their relationship can play an essential role in maintaining a sense of stability while everything else has changed in their lives,” Webb said.

Both Kiki and Kiwi would relish the opportunity to enjoy their golden years in a permanent, loving home. They’ve got plenty of life left to live and love to give.

Do you have room in your home and heart for these two “Golden Girls”? Stop by the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter to say hello!