Seniors for Seniors: A Purrrfect Match

I was recently intrigued when I learned of a type of program that is being offered to not only human seniors, but pet seniors alike.  Many shelters on Long Island offer a "Senior for Senior" program that places senior pets with senior citizens, and the results have been astounding.  

The thought process behind this program is that senior animals are often calmer, gentler and already trained- a perfect companion for a quieter home.  In addition, studies show that adopting and caring for a pet can reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and treat depression.  

There are many senior pets available for adoption at our local shelters.  At Last Hope Shelter in Wantagh for example, Gertie (pictured), an 8 year old Shepherd Mix, awaits her forever home. She has wonderful manners and loves everyone – adults, kids, and other dogs. She seems to have been a family pet, and is the type of dog that will pay back the love showered on her a thousand times over. Gertie deserves a wonderful home where she will ALWAYS be appreciated  for the pearl of a girl she is.  You can learn more about Gertie and the other wonderful residents at Last Hope by visiting their website at http://lasthopeanimalrescue.org/2013/05/gertie-2/.

Also waiting to meet his new family is Bobby (pictured), a senior cat who roams the cat colony of The Babylon Animal Shelter, located at 51 Lamar St. W. Babylon 11704.  Bobby just strolled up on a strangers doorstep one day, and although he loves his neighbors at the shelter (humans and cats alike), he would love to go home to a warm bed tonight.  For more information on Bobby, please visit or call the Babylon Animal Shelter at 631-643-9270.

Thanks for reading and please remember- dont shop, adopt!