PET ADOPTION FOR SENIORS: A win-win for human and critter alike

By Andrea Busche

time at Animal Allies due to a painful frostbite injury. She is much happier and healthier without it, however, and suffers no ill effects from the amputation. Ross appreciates this quirk, and believes it makes the cat more unique. After spending a few minutes together in one of the “getting acquainted” rooms, it was clear that this was a match. The cat immediately jumped on Ross’ lap and began to purr.

“OK, you can take me home now,” she seemed to say. After filling out some paperwork, it was official. And, once the Certified Veterinary Inspection (CVI) was complete, Ross was able to bring her new pet home just two days later.

MRS. WAGS

that helped 42 dogs find forever homes during its tenure in rural Duluth. Keller explained the many benefits of fostering.

“Fostering a pet involves giving the animal a temporary home and keeps them out of the shelter until it finds its final home,” Keller said. “Fostering is such an important piece to rescue.

“Animals living in a shelter atmosphere don’t always portray their true personalities and traits,” she added. “Once they are living in a home, we learn so much about them and give them a chance to really be who they are.”

From Tiny Babies To Special Needs

Some animals are put into foster care because they are too young to be weaned, and must be bottle-fed. Others go into foster care due to other special needs, needing medical care, or being temperamental in a shelter environment. The length of time as a “foster parent” can range from a few days to a few years, so make sure the organization you are working with knows your limits and expectations up front.

According to Keller, the foster pet parent has several responsibilities.

“Training, training, training,” she stressed. “They need us to help them learn trust, rules, love, and empathy.”

Many people make the comment that they could never foster because they wouldn’t be able to give them back.

“I call this a ‘foster failure,’” Keller said. “And, I have fallen victim to this myself… five times! However, I will say that nothing is more rewarding than finding that new ‘fur-ever’ home for this lovable dog you so selfishly want to keep, and seeing their family Christmas photo, or pictures of the dog napping with the kids, or how spoiled they are with way too many toys! That is so rewarding and inspires you to keep fostering and saving lives.”

Keller shared that fostering is typically a great fit for senior citizens.

“Reasons for a senior to foster include companionship and a mission to rehabilitate an animal who potentially had no hope prior to coming into their home,” she said. “Someone who is retired is the best prospect for a foster home, because they spend time with the animal, and they already are seeking the companionship.” things are just meant to be together.

Peanut butter and jelly. Bert and Ernie. And senior citizens and their pets.

According to the website petsfortheelderly.org, studies have shown that pets can lower stress and bring happiness to their owners. Some of the health benefits of having a pet include decreased blood pressure, decreased cholesterol and triglyceride levels, decreased feelings of loneliness, and increased opportunities for socialization. These issues are of particular importance in the lives of seniors.

Whether you’re a “dog person” or a “cat person,” rescuing an animal from a shelter is a great way to go. Local options range from committing to a pet for life through adoption or dipping a toe into the rescue world with fostering. Both are incredible ways to help an animal in need, and will no doubt change your life forever.

Adopting

After tossing the idea around for a few years, Superior resident Lenore Ross recently made the decision to adopt a cat. At age 65, she is retired, and has plenty of time to give to an animal.

Prior to visiting a shelter, Ross spent some time looking at the adoptable pets found on the Animal Allies and Douglas County Humane Society websites. When she saw a gray tabby with the shelter name “Mariah Carey,” Ross knew she wanted to meet her.

“I wanted a younger, female short-haired cat, and she fit the bill,” Ross said.

Ross and her daughter (yours truly) made the trip to Animal Allies in July 2019. Here, she learned that Ms. Mariah Carey was about two years old and was brought to Animal Allies as a stray the month before.

The cat had a funny-looking bobbed tail, which we learned had been amputated during her

Ross and her new cat, who now has the name Mrs. Wags due to the way she enthusiastically wags her little tail stump, have been together for a few months now, and so far, so good.

“She’s a funny girl,” Ross said. “She likes to take a running jump into my lap. She loves catnip and her new scratching post with a seat on top. She’s inquisitive, as cats are, and enjoys hunting for bugs in my basement.

“And, she loves attention,” continued Ross. “Being retired, I can give her plenty. She’s a nice kitty, and I made the right choice adopting from Animal Allies. I really appreciate their program where they give seniors a $50 discount to adopt a pet, too.”

Fostering

If you aren’t ready to make a lifetime commitment to a pet, fostering an animal can be a great choice. Megan Keller is the founder of Nemo Paws, a nonprofit dog rescue organization