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The PAWS "Seniors for Seniors" adoption program is all about rediscovering the joys of having a cat or dog in your life. Over the years, companion animals have brought joy to our lives and warmth to our homes. The "Seniors for Seniors" program places senior cats and dogs (typically over 7 years of age) with qualified senior citizens who are 60 years of age or older.

Research tells us that companion animals, like cats and dogs, can help improve our physical and mental health. By adopting a new "best friend", you can experience the benefits of decreased heart rate and blood pressure that so many people feel when they are relaxing to pet their new cat or dog.

Experiencing the friendly greeting of a dog, or the warm cuddle of a cat sitting on your lap is what the Seniors for Seniors program is all about. The PAWS staff will help you select a companion that fits into your lifestyle and housing situation.

The PAWS "Seniors for Seniors" program offers a special reduced adoption fee of $35, and includes many benefits to help seniors who are living on a fixed income. With each adoption:

• Your companion will be spayed or neutered and will receive their first set of vaccinations before they go home with you.
• A new toy compliments of Hills Science Diet
• A certificate for a FREE health examination by a veterinarian of your choice.
• A collar.
• Cats go home in the comfort of a new carrier and dogs come with a colorful leash.

Remember the family dog that greeted you as a child, or the faithful cat that kept you company as a youngster? When you adopt a senior animal from PAWS, you get to experience these joys again while making new memories with your furry companion.

Volunteers from PAWS will help you and your new companion get settled in through our "Welcome Home" plan.

We want to make sure you and your new cat or dog are doing well, so after you take your new best friend home, a PAWS volunteer will call you to talk over questions and offer advice.

You can also call our FREE behavior help line any time to talk over behavior problems or to get help as you and your new cat or dog gets to know each other.

And if you become unable to take care of your new dog or cat, due to long-term hospitalization or stay in a nursing facility, you or a family member may return the animal to PAWS.

Cats and dogs provide friendship for lonely individuals, offering an opportunity for care taking and interaction that an older person may miss if family is not nearby.

The company of a beloved pet has been proven to reduce depression in the elderly, often delaying the onset of confusion and reducing the length of the average hospital stay.

To an older animal, a senior citizen that will dote on them and spend a significant amount of time allowing them to sit on their lap or lay at their feet, is an inviting and ideal new home.

Senior animals can make wonderful additions to the lives of seniors by offering gentle companionship, lower activity levels and previous training.

Senior animals often experience depression when they enter the animal shelter. Being adopted by a mature senior who understands their calm nature and need for companionship, is a perfect match for these senior cats and dogs.

For more information about the PAWS "Seniors for Seniors" adoption program or to arrange a visit to the animal shelter, please call us at 425.787.2500 x488.

Senior centers and program coordinators are encouraged to contact PAWS to learn more about the program and to arrange for a presentation at your facility. Contact the PAWS Program Manager at 425.787.2500 x488 for more details.