Residents Of Senior Living Communities Help Senior Pets In Need

If anybody knows the struggles faced by senior pets, it’s senior citizens.

That’s why Waltonwood Senior Living communities are helping senior shelter pets find the joy that should come with life’s later years. 

Residents at eight communities in Michigan and North Carolina have spent the month of August hosting special “seniors helping seniors” events in support of the nationwide “Clear the Shelters” campaign.

“Senior pets often face the misconception that they are less capable of adapting to new environments or forming strong bonds,” a news release explains. “However, like Waltonwood residents, these pets bring a lifetime of experience, love, and loyalty.”

According to the ASPCA, many senior pets wait up to four times longer in shelters than younger animals. Waltonwood’s initiative aims to find loving families for the good boys and girls who are often overlooked in favor of their younger counterparts. They are even helping pay adoption fees so that financial barriers do not prevent these special animals from finding their forever homes.

In addition to hosting adoption events, Waltonwood residents made more than a thousand homemade pet treats, crafting and raising money for more than 2,000 toys, and hand-making over 200 blankets for shelter pets.

 “We’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that pets can have, not just on their immediate companions but on our entire community,” Sara Bailey, the senior regional director of sales at Waltonwood, said in a statement. “At Waltonwood, these adopted pets create joy and connection among our residents and we are excited to give these wonderful animals another chance at happiness. We hope the community will join us in making a difference and showing these deserving animals the appreciation and care they’ve earned.”

Clear the Shelters runs through September 10. Visit clearthesheltersfund.org for more information.