Annual report highlight: Your joy

June 24, 2024

Bellwether Harbor Animal Shelter

Bellwether Harbor Animal Shelter created the Seniors for Seniors Foster Cat Program as a way to address two problems: too many older cats lingered in shelters waiting for homes, and many older adults were missing out on the companionship of a pet because of concerns that kept them from adopting.

Through this innovative program, older adults are matched with a cat to foster. Costs like food, veterinary care, and other necessities are covered. Bellwether staffers Linda Vaughn and Joy Goodall visit once a month for checkups and are on-call for concerns between visits. Cat parents also know that if they can’t care for their pet—during a hospital stay, for example—their cat will be provided for and kept safe at Bellwether.

“The program has really taken off,” said Linda. “It’s rewarding to see cats in homes and flourishing.”

Seniors for Seniors—which is supported by grants from the Bridging Generations Fund—also makes an impact on human participants. “Having a cat brings our older adults so much joy and gives them a sense of purpose,” said Joy. “Some tell us they have a reason to get out of bed every morning now.”

“We love to see how well the seniors and cats are doing together,” added Linda. “It makes us really happy to know we are making a difference in their lives.”