'Pets for Seniors' Helps Find Pets for Adoption

by Marie Grieser

    Marilyn Aultman, 74, of Washington told a neighbor, "I've never been so alone."
     That was last October and Aultman had just had her silver poodle, Michelle, put down.  The poodle had been part of her life for 14 years, since it was 8 weeks old.
     Aultman's husband of nearly 50 years had passed away in 1996 and Michelle became even more important to her.
     "I'd never really been so alone," Aultman said.  "So when I lost my husband and then Michelle I suddenly really felt alone."
     Then Aultman remembered an organization her dog groomer, Sue Kasier of Noah's Art, had told her about.
     The non-profit organization "Pets for Seniors" helps seniors find a dog or cat to adopt.  They pay the fees connected the the animals' adoption and will even help seniors who do not drive get their pets to the vet.
     Aultman knew she wanted another dog, preferably a poodle, but decided to wait until after the holidays as she knew she would be gone during part of the holidays. 
     In late December she contacted Kaiser who put Aultman in touch with Barb Cathey of Pets for Seniors.  Thinking that it might take awhile Aultman filled out the application.
     It was not long before she heard from Cathey.
     Cathey had located a silver/blue female poodle at the animal shelter in Bloomington.  "April" was about 8 or 9 years old and her former master had been placed in a nursing home.
     About two weeks ago Cathey brought April to Aultman.
     Within minutes after her arrival April was curled up on an afghan next to Aultman's chair.
     "She bonded with me right away," Aultman said.  "She's filled up the emptiness in the house."
     The day April came to Aultman was a new beginning for both of them.  It was also the day that April had been scheduled to be put down because people were not eager to adopt an older dog.
     Aultman said she believes the little dog is very good for her.
     "It keeps you in a routine and gives you something to take care of," she said.  "I've been sleeping better.  If I wake up I reach down to the foot of the bed and pet April and I know I'm not alone."
     April also offers Aultman a degree of security.
     "If someone comes around the house she lets me know," Aultman said.
     Aultman thinks the concept of pairing mature animals with a senior is a good idea.  Many seniors do not want to deal with a puppy or kitten and the older, more settled animal works well.
     "Most of all," Aultman said, "if you don't have love in your home you have nothing.  Now I have April."

This story was courtesy of the Washington, Morton, and Woodford County Couriers