Don’t deny yourself the love you need!

Dogs and cats can play an important role in our lives whether we are a senior citizen or a young child. As roaming ambassadors of unwavering love and affection, our furry friends can be the motivation for seniors to take care of themselves, get outdoors to see old friends or make new ones, exercise to keep fit and just have a happier day.

I remember Richard holding Brutus, his shaggy little Lhasa Apso on his lap, as he spoke with Pets In Need staff. “Brutus has eye problems and he has to get regular veterinary care to keep him from going blind. My Social Security check will arrive by the third of the month. I can pay some them, but I’m afraid he’ll go blind if I wait to get treatment. It’s hard to ask for help, but he’s all I have,” Richard said as he nodded towards Brutus.

Wonderful caregivers like Richard provide a loving home for pets with special needs, like Brutus. And Pets In Need was able to help Richard get Brutus the care he needed that day. But every day for thirteen years Brutus helped Richard keep well exercised through their daily walks. And Richard never forgot to feed Brutus, so he remembered to prepare food for himself too.

Another delightful person was Peggy who told me how much she missed her Pekinese but because she was bed ridden and her caregivers left in the late afternoon, she couldn’t have a dog. Luckily for them both, Kitty Poo, a lovely tiger cat with white on her chest, found Peggy. Kitty Poo stayed on her bed, played and entertained Peggy at night when no one else was there. One of Peggy’s greatest delights was looking through pet supply catalogues to find interesting toys for Kitty Poo to enjoy.

Brutus and Kitty Poo both survived their human caregivers and came to Pets In Need. We gave them the care they needed until we found them new loving homes.

Sometimes seniors are concerned that if they pre-decease their companion animal no one will be there for their dog or cat. At Pets In Need the PIN Guardian Program steps in for the furry friends of those who have chosen it.

We feel that it’s good for the senior caregivers to have a dog or cat. And it’s great for the animal who is getting a loving home! At Pets In Need when we match a senior citizen with a senior dog or cat, we pay the senior citizen $25.00. It’s a life-saving proposition.

 
Founded in 1965, Pets In Need receives no federal, state or local government support.

Published in the San Mateo County Times, April 6, 2002