Animals make amazing companions, especially for seniors who are prone to loneliness.
The novel coronavirus pandemic has left many elderly folks feeling more isolated than ever, but having a four-legged friend around can make all the difference for their well-being. That’s why this organization is on a mission to bring pets and seniors together!
Pets for the Elderly is a national nonprofit that is dedicated to helping people who are 60 or older adopt and care for pets.
The organization gives grants to participating shelters and covers a percentage of adoption fees. Over the past 28 years, they have facilitated almost 100,000 adoptions at more than 50 shelters in 34 states!
They have two primary goals: to enrich seniors’ lives with pet companions and to give shelter animals a home. After all, these relationships are mutually beneficial because caring for pets encourages their owners to care for themselves too.
“Seniors take better care of themselves because somebody’s counting on them,” said Susan Kurowski, the executive director of Pets for the Elderly. “They maintain a routine. They take their vitamins and their prescriptions on time because there’s someone relying on them, and that is so important.”
For Pat Smith of Grand Ledge, Michigan, her dog Brady keeps her smiling. The retired teacher and widow adopted the pup from a participating shelter last year after losing her other dog, Chloe.
“He is very loving, follows me everywhere, and is extremely smart,” she said. “I am looking forward to many rewarding years with Brady. He will definitely keep me young, as he is full of energy!”
Starting in January 2021, Pets for the Elderly will make it even easier for seniors to have pets! The new program will provide financial assistance for regular vet visits, surgeries, food, and grooming. What’s more, it will arrange home visits from shelter staff members to ensure everything is going well! Until then, they’ll continue giving people the companionship they crave.
“Now, especially with COVID, bridging this whole isolation gap with companionship is going to show – when we look back – as being key to so many people’s mental wellness,” Susan explained.
What a great way to tackle isolation and find shelter animals forever homes! You can help Pets for the Elderly make an even bigger impact by donating here.
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