It’s Never Too Late for Love A Pet Adoption and Fostering Handbook for Seniors in Hampton Roads

Dedication This handbook is dedicated to my 86 year old Trois Grande or “third grandmother” who lives in New York. She loves dogs and started adopting rescue dogs in the 1980’s. She started a Blessing of the Animals Service at her church where people can bring their dogs to church on Sunday. She also helps to organize a Halloween parade for dogs and other fundraisers for her church. She was so sad when her last dog, Tisdale died. She thought about getting another dog, but found out she has cancer. She can’t take all of the 5 mile a day dog walks she used to, but she still helps out by caring for dogs in need every now and then. Whether you think about adoption, fostering, or helping your senior community to adopt a pet together, if she can make a difference, you can, too! Dana Culbertson GSCCC Troop 457

Directory of Pet Friendly Senior Living Communities in Hampton Roads

Virginia Beach: Atria (independent and assisted living) (866)344-4946 Bay Lake Retirement Community (independent/assisted living) (866)344-4946 Colony Pines (independent living) 866-679-9056 The Commons at Princess Anne (independent living) 866-228-0955

Jamestown Commons (866)344-4946 The Gardens of Virginia Beach (assisted living) (757)499-4800 Kings Grant House (assisted living) (866)344-4946 Old Donation (independent living) 866-908-7093 Pacifica Senior Living (independent/assisted living) 866-889-3961 Silver Hill at Great Neck (independent living) 866-679-9127 Silver Hill at Town Center (independent living) 866-679-9125

Norfolk: The Ballentine (assisted living) 866-230-4366 John Knox Towers (independent living) 866-738-0966 Stonebridge Manor (independent living) 866-328-6598 The Talbot on Granby (independent living) 866-891-4147

Chesapeake: Chesapeake Crossing (independent living) 866-862-3485 Commons at Chesapeake (independent living) (866) 220-3247 Commons at Churchland (independent living) 866-331-0694 Courtyards of Chesapeake (independent living) 866-879-5685 Dominion Village of Chesapeake (assisted living) 866-917-3627 Georgian Manor (assisted living) (866) 344-4946 Greenbrier Senior Apartments (independent living) 866-286-9213 Lighthouse Pointe (independent living) 866-299-6597 OR 344-4946 Sunstone Apartments (866) 344-4946

Portsmouth Churchland House (assisted living) 866-648-6667

Suffolk Lake Prince Woods (independent living) 866-320-9013

Directory of Pet Adoption and Fostering Facilities in Hampton Roads

Chesapeake Humane Society (Adopt/Foster) 312 N. Battlefield Blvd. Chesapeake, VA 23320 (757)546-5355

Norfolk SPCA (Adopt/Foster) 916 Ballentine Blvd. Norfolk, VA 23504 (757)622-3319

Virginia Beach SPCA (Adopt/Foster) 3040 Holland Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23453 (757)427-0070

XOXO Pet Rescue Inc. (Adopt/Foster) Serves: Williamsburg, Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and Suffolk. (757)291-9009

K-9 New Life Center (Adopt/Foster) PO Box 6427 Virginia Beach, VA 23456 (757)721-2275

Norfolk Animal Care and Adoption Center (Adopt/Foster) 5585 Sabre Rd. Norfolk, VA 23502 (757)441-5505

Chesapeake Animal Control Bureau (Adopt only) 2100 S. Military Hwy. Chesapeake, VA 23320

The Cat Corner (Adopt only) 85 Fulton Street Hampton, VA 23663 (757)722-0590

Animal Rescue of Tidewater (Adopt only) Norfolk, VA 23517 (757)456-1354

Virginia Beach Animal Control and Adoption Center (Adopt only) 341 S. Birdneck Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (757)385-4444

Health Benefits for Having a Pet

There are many benefits for having a pet, not only for entertainment and companionship, but also for health purposes. One health benefit is that households with pets lessen the risk of allergies and asthma. People with pets tend to have a stronger immune system. Another health benefit is that pets can reduce stress. A survey was conducted by Mindlab International and found that 55% of people were more relaxed and less stressed after spending time with their dog. Cat ownership lowers the risk of a fatal heart attack. Researchers find having a cat or dog reduces stress and anxiety which helps prevent cardiovascular disease. In fact, petting a cat helps reduce your blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature. Pet owners have lower blood pressure and cholesterol than non pet owners. Pets provide companionship which helps their owners deal with loneliness or depression. Walking dogs is a great way to meet people, get out of the house, and strike up a conversation in a park or on the street. A psychologist from Queens University, Berlin said taking care of dogs often leads to an increase in physical activity which also helps human health. Having a pet helps people with dealing with serious illnesses. Many doctors give patients a “pet prescription” because pets usually help motivate patients to take better care of themselves. Believe it or not, taking care of dogs helps to lose weight. A University of Missouri-Columbia study showed that people who walk their dog for 20 minutes a day for at least five days a week could lose an average of 14 pounds per year! Adopt or foster a pet and give both a needy animal and yourself a new lease on life! It’s never too late for love!

Foster Programs

Many of the animal assistance programs listed in this directory offer foster programs. Foster programs for homeless pets helps prevent animals from being euthanized when there is no space available in the shelter. Foster programs can also help provide additional time and care for animals that are not ready for adoption, such as kittens, puppies, mothers with babies, injured animals or animals that need special attention. Although the greatest need for homes is with dogs and cats, fostering opportunities are also available for small animals such as rabbits. Foster programs can also help provide a temporary home for pets whose owners are unable to care for them due to being displaced or due to illness. Foster programs requirements vary with each shelter, but foster programs can give you the chance to love and care for an animal who needs your help, and may be a great option if you are not able a long term emotional or financial commitment to an animal. Foster programs often provide free food, medical care and some supplies to foster homes as well as training opportunities.

Adoption Programs

All of the animal assistance programs listed in this directory offer animal adoption. Some of these programs are operated by local government such as city animal control. Others may be a local SPCA or private shelter. Some of these programs have animals checked for medical issues and personality prior to placing these animals. Other programs make these animals available for adoption without a checkup. Programs may vary according to adoption fees, financial assistance, and how long an animal can be offered for adoption. This handbook does not identify which programs are kill versus no kill shelters since all of these animals in all of these programs need your help.

Best Pets for Seniors Dogs or Cats? While there are many kinds of animals which can make good pets, research has found dogs and cats specifically provide the many health benefits and companionship for seniors. Whether you chose to help a dog or a cat, all they need is food, shelter, a vet and you.

Cats Cats require less supervision than dogs. Cats do not need to be walked, and they can be left for several days at a time with enough food and water. Cats are affectionate, but do not need constant care and attention. They do require their kitty pans to have poop scooped, and completely scraped and cleaned every other day with bleach or soap. Cats do like to scratch their claws and sit on perches and furniture. Cats need food dishes, water bowls, scratching post, and a kitty litter pan.

Dogs Dogs are man’s best friend and can be your best friend too! While they require more supervision and care than cats, the companionship they can offer is priceless. Dogs cannot be left alone for days. They require feeding 1-2 times a day and need exercise to stay healthy and happy. Dogs love to be walked, and should be walked or let out at least 3 times a day. Dogs vary as to grooming and handling needs. All dogs need to be vaccinated and some cities require a license. Dogs need a warm, quiet place to sleep, and need shelter from weather. You will need a food dish, water bowl, toys, leash, collar and a dog bed.

Resources to Help Senior Pet Owners

Here are just some of the resources to help pets and their owners stay together:

Breed specific resources: Springers, Bernese mountain dogs, Boxers, Corgis, Doberman (special needs), Golden Retrievers, Great Pyrenees, Greyhounds Keeshond, Labrador retrievers, Pit bulls/Staffordshire terriers. These breed specific rescues offer both adoption and financial assistance and can be located on the internet.

Disease specific financial assistance resources: Big Hearts Fund (canine and feline heart disease), Brown dog foundation (medications), Canine Cancer awareness, Cats in Crisis, Dog and Cat Cancer fund, God’s creatures Ministry Veterinary Charity, IMOM, Joshua Louise Animal Cancer Foundation, Magic Bullet fund(cancer specific), The Mosby fund, the Onyx and Breezy Foundation, Paws 4 A Cure, The Pet Fund, The Riedel and Cody fund(cancer), RedRover Relief, Rose’s Fund, Shakespeare Animal Fund, Top Dog Foundation “Bentley Grant”

Spaying and Neutering Resources: Norfolk SPCA at 757-383-6620 Animal Care Clinic of Holland Road at 757-340-6996 Virginia Beach SPCA at 757-739-9306 PETA spay and Neuter Immediately Please Van at 757-622-7382 Portsmouth Humane Society at 757-5355 Chesapeake Humane Society 757-546-5355

General assistance: PetsnPatients -PetsnPatients seeks to help maintain relationships between patients and their pets during crises and need temporary assistance with their pet. Help-A-Pet -A non-profit organization which provides financial assistance for the medical care of pets whose guardians are unable to afford the expense. Pets in Need -Provides assistance to low-income individuals for veterinary care, including spaying and neutering for their dogs and cats, on a funds-available basis. The Pets for the Elderly Foundation -A non-profit organization that “makes donations to animal shelters throughout the United States to enable them to provide elderly people a companion at no charge. The Grey Muzzle Organization -An organization that provides funding for senior dogs nationwide, and provides grant funding to local shelters. Seniors for Seniors -A program that is used in many shelters for people over age 55 who are interested in adopting a senior dog. Check with the shelters listed in this directory regarding senior discounts on adoption fees, food, and supplies. Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Programs -Provides financial assistance for emergency medical care for cats.

References

After 55.com ASPCA website Elderly Living: Best Pets for Seniors Hampton Roads Senior Living Guide Health Benefits of Pets for Senior: Right at Home Humane Society.org: Having trouble affording your pet? Matching Pets with Senior citizens-pet finder Pets for Senior Citizens: Benefits of Pets: Weather .com Pet Tails Magazine Resources to help Senior Pet Owners: SeniorDiscoutns.com Senior Helpers: the Benefits of Pet Ownership for Seniors SPCA website Virginia Beach SPCA