The PAWS staff has been hard at work teaching our senior dogs new tricks to perform at the shelter’s first ever “Senior Dog Talent Show” on Saturday, Jan. 5 in honor of Senior Dog Adoption month. While Bailey, the 7-year-old Labrador retriever is learning how to throw tennis balls through a basketball hoop, Lanie, the 8-year-old Boxer-mix, is learning how to roll over. Their other friends Reba, Jenny and Morgan are learning new tricks too! "We are extremely excited to be able to showcase the talents of our older dogs here at the shelter," PAWS Canine Adoption Coordinator Laurie Lawless said. "We hope that this event brings awareness to these loving dogs and helps find them their forever homes." Senior dogs end up in shelters for a variety of reasons -the previous owners have moved or couldn’t afford the medical care any longer. Sometimes they are found as strays and sometimes their owners have passed away. But regardless of how they ended up in the shelter, they tend to stay for longer periods of time which can worsen health conditions and stress them out. “Many times these wonderful companions get passed up by families looking for young adults and puppies not realizing the benefits of having an older dog in the home,” said Lawless. "The great thing about adopting an adult dog is that you have to worry less about house training, chewing and destructive puppy-like behavior and can spend more time and energy forming a bond between you and your new companion." PAWS currently has five senior dogs in need of loving forever homes and it is our goal to see every one of them adopted during this special event.For the entire month of January, PAWS is reducing the $210 adoption fee to $75 for all senior and long-term resident dogs. These dogs are already spayed or neutered, heartworm tested, have had a veterinary exam and are microchipped. All senior dog adopters will also receive a good bag filled with food, treats and other items to welcome your new friend into your home. The public is encouraged to attend our Senior Dog Talent Show on January 5 at 1 p.m. to meet our senior dogs in person. Light refreshments will be served.