Adopting a pet? Ever consider an older one?

Dear Heloise: My husband volunteers for a mobile meal service and had an elderly gentleman on his route who had an adorable little white toy French poodle whose name is Coqui (pronounced "Kokee & quot;). This dog and my husband became good friends when he would drop off meals. To make a long story short, the elderly gentleman died, and we ended up with this most lovable poodle.
My husband and I have been married only seven and a half years and are in our 70s and 80s. This little girl sleeps with us and travels with us (even recently on a trip to Florida). Anytime the car leaves our driveway, she's in it. She has a pillow to sit on so she can see out.
Coqui is a joy, and we feel so blessed to have gotten this lovable, warm little girl to live with us. Claire and Joe, Durham, N.C.
I don't know who's luckier. The three of you are very fortunate to have found each other. Adopting an older pet can bring great joy to a home -- this story proves it. So don't pass up the older pets when you're looking to make a loving addition to your home. Heloise
Dear Readers: Melanie McMullin of Driftwood, Texas, sent in this photo of her Shih Tzu, Shug, doting over a 4-week-old kitten named Ray. Shug even tried to nurse the kitten but found it too painful. Go to my Web site, www.heloise.com, and click on This Week's Pet to see this sweet pair. Send your favorite pet photo to: Heloise/Pet Photo, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279. Heloise
Dear Heloise: When my daughter wanted a guinea pig, I found a way to cut the work in half. She shares Cinnamon with a friend. One month we have him, and the next her friend does.
Cinnamon is never taken for granted and has a place to stay when we leave on vacations. Bonnie Manning, Fort Wayne, Ind.
What an unusual arrangement -- twice the love, too. Heloise
Dear Heloise: My cat, Jolie, recently had kittens behind my TV cabinet. I assume she had them there because she felt they were safe from harm or from being annoyed by other animals in the house. I wanted to make her feel comfortable, but I also wanted to keep an eye on the babies. So, I put them in my closet, where they could be closed off from any four-legged, curious onlookers. I also put her food, water and litterbox nearby.
It has been delightful to watch as they venture out of their safe haven into the real world. Jolie positions herself at the threshold of the bathroom door to guard their whereabouts and calls them when one goes astray. They come running and retreat to their cozy spot for some TLC. K.R., via e-mail
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; fax to (210) HELOISE, or e-mail heloise@heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate