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Shelter Brings Senior Cats To Seniors In Nursing Homes So They Can Comfort Each Other
The Ohio Alleycat Resource shelter visits nursing homes to bring senior cats and seniors together. Bored Panda reached out to Jordan Umerley, a graphic designer and dedicated volunteer at the shelter, to tell us more about this beautiful initiative called Pet Adoptions for Loving Seniors (PALS).
“In the last year, our PALS program has gone to several area retirement communities with our cats,” Umerley told Bored Panda. “We take older cats (7 years +). Many residents cannot have pets now, so the chance to cuddle a chilled out kitty is great for them. We also invite the residents to come and visit our shelter. It really is fun and a good chance to get the cats socialized.
“The seniors love telling stories about their past pets, and ask us to take pictures of them with the cats to send to their children and grandchildren.” The cats enjoy these visits, too! “Most senior cats just want to eat, sleep, be cuddled and loved. Having them visit retirement and nursing home communities is a great way for the cats to socialize outside of the shelter and bring joy to the seniors.”
More info: ohioalleycat.org | Facebook
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The Ohio Alleycat Resource shelter visits nursing homes with senior cats to bring joy to the elderly
“Many residents cannot have pets now, so the chance to cuddle a chilled out kitty is great for them”
“The seniors love telling stories about their past pets, and ask us to take pictures of them with the cats”
The cats enjoy these visits, too!
“Most senior cats just want to eat, sleep, be cuddled and loved”
“Having them visit retirement and nursing home communities is a great way for the cats to socialize outside of the shelter and bring joy to the seniors”
Thank you, Jordan Umerley, for talking to Bored Panda about this beautiful initiative!
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What do you think ?
Yvonne Bernal 9 years ago
My friend does this with her 'Therapy Pigs" Petunia & Boaris. They're a BIG HIT with all the seniors. Even the schools bring their kids to her rescue farm to learn and understand the importance of love.
Allison hussain 9 years ago
Beautiful. This is another (scottish) charity which does similar work by helping the over 60s and care home to afford a rescue pet http://www.giveadogabone.net/
Katarzyna Dobrowolska 9 years ago
Reminds me of the relation between my grandma and our cat. Quite lovely.
Maureen Zappellini 9 years ago
Beautiful win win win idea- my mother in law is in a nursing home and she loves getting visits from our sweet pit pup
Daria Kovaleva 9 years ago
Dear Jordan & Julia, its was very interesting to read about this initiative. I couldn't help but wonder how they're dealing with the transportation stress for animals. Cats are quite straightforward about socialising and not being fond of place changes. I might be missing some very important piece of information, but the way it seems to me is that this just benefits us, humans, and not animals. I would love to hear you opinion on this, may be you could tell us more, about how long they stay with their fellow seniors etc Thanks!
Amy Beaudoin 9 years ago
I think it is helping the cats with socialization. Also, since they are seniors, they enjoy the calm cuddles.
Load More Replies... Yvonne Bernal 9 years ago
My friend does this with her 'Therapy Pigs" Petunia & Boaris. They're a BIG HIT with all the seniors. Even the schools bring their kids to her rescue farm to learn and understand the importance of love.
Allison hussain 9 years ago
Beautiful. This is another (scottish) charity which does similar work by helping the over 60s and care home to afford a rescue pet http://www.giveadogabone.net/
Katarzyna Dobrowolska 9 years ago
Reminds me of the relation between my grandma and our cat. Quite lovely.
Maureen Zappellini 9 years ago
Beautiful win win win idea- my mother in law is in a nursing home and she loves getting visits from our sweet pit pup
Daria Kovaleva 9 years ago
Dear Jordan & Julia, its was very interesting to read about this initiative. I couldn't help but wonder how they're dealing with the transportation stress for animals. Cats are quite straightforward about socialising and not being fond of place changes. I might be missing some very important piece of information, but the way it seems to me is that this just benefits us, humans, and not animals. I would love to hear you opinion on this, may be you could tell us more, about how long they stay with their fellow seniors etc Thanks!
Amy Beaudoin 9 years ago
I think it is helping the cats with socialization. Also, since they are seniors, they enjoy the calm cuddles.
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