He was picked up as a stray the day after Christmas last year. A senior, no matter how wonderful, will not be the first to be picked at the shelter so, at 10 years of age, the cat they named "Harvest Moon" would stay there for 10 months...until we met. I was looking for a senior male to join my harmonious brood of three dogs and an older female cat. He draped himself around my legs and fell relaxed when I picked him up. He purred when kissed his nose. The deal was sealed...with that kiss. Twenty dollars later, we were in the car heading home...forever home for Harvest Moon! We stopped first at my mom's, where I was due for dinner. He plopped down under the table, cleaning himself. He was happy & so relaxed. Wow! Within 90 minutes, mom, who was not excited about my bringing a "guest" to dinner, fell in love with him and began thinking of a new name for him. She even called her neighbor to come meet this handsome gentleman with the cool personality. Older cats and dogs reflect their true personalities more, so it's easier to find the "right" match. Encourage others to adopt seniors! Kitten and puppies always go more quickly, but the older folks have a harder time or - worse - face the sad prospect of being euthanized. Harvest Moon was spared because he proved so lovable and, ultimately, adoptable, so the kind folks at the shelter kept him longer than usual in the hope that he’d be discovered by the right person and go home forever. I’m glad they did! Rescue the older folks! Gift yourself with a fine, new friend who already knows the ropes.