Senior Pets for Senior People is new community outreach program geared for seniors ages 55 and older launched by the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland. The goal is to help place senior cats in permanent homes with senior people in the community. The outcome will give senior cats a second chance at life, as well as provide companions for local seniors.
Staff at the shelter will, upon request from senior centers, senior recreation programs, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, etc., conduct a short seminar discussing the benefits of the program, as well as cat care.
The benefits of pet ownership are many, especially for seniors. According to the Humane Society of The United States, pets ease loneliness, enhance general health and well-being, lower blood pressure, decrease stress, reduce bone loss, lower cholesterol levels, improve blood circulation, among other benefits.
“The beauty of matching senior cats with senior people is they tend to be easier to care for than a dog or even a younger cat or kitten that most likely has a lot of energy to burn,” said Toni McLellan, director of operations at the shelter. “Most of the senior animals would be so content just to have a cozy lap or a bed to snuggle up in and a human companion to love them.”
The shelter will waive adoption fees with this program. “We would much rather have the adopter save what would be the adoption fee and put it towards vet care – it’s our way of helping out,” said Sarah Ashe, shelter feline manager.
The Animal Refuge League offers other programs that may prove helpful for seniors with pets, as well. The Furry Friends Pet Food Pantry provides pet food for those who cannot afford to buy it. The shelter can even arrange for delivery of food if a senior who goes through this program to adopt does not have transportation.
To qualify for this program, those interested need to attend one of the outreach seminars. At the seminar, passes will be given to visit the shelter to adopt a cat (the pass does not expire). Those interested in having a shelter representative speak at a facility or community center should contact McLellan at 854-9771.
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