Our Mission:
To connect adoptable senior canines and senior citizens by removing barriers to pet ownership, so that neither live their last years alone.
We are a 501(c)3 organization comprised of volunteers who care about senior citizens and senior pets.
The Need:
In 2022, approximately 12 million adults aged 65 and older lived alone. People are living longer lives with the most common circumstances for living alone being the death of a spouse, no family nearby, or choosing to age in place (Pew Research Center, 2022). Many of these seniors cite loneliness as a major concern, with research by UC San Francisco suggesting this loneliness is linked to serious health problems.
For seniors struggling with loneliness and a sense of purpose, a pet can be the solution. According to the National Council on Aging, having an animal companion can bring joy, comfort, and laughter, but also do wonders for the physical well-being of seniors. A study by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute found that dog ownership can lead to a 21% reduction in death for people with heart disease. Interaction with companion animals has been shown to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. An American Heart Association survey revealed that 95% of pet owners rely on their animal for stress relief. According to the Mayo Clinic, pets can improve health in three ways:
1) They protect heart health by counteracting stress.
2) They can slow cognitive decline.
3) They provide mental health benefits and reduce loneliness.
The exact statistics on the number of senior dogs euthanized, those 7 and older, are not available, but the Dog Aging Project’s findings suggest that a significant number of senior dogs are euthanized not due to their age but because of an increasing number of medical issues. This is one of the reasons fewer senior pets are adopted. According to the ASPCA, senior dogs have a 25% adoption rate compared to a 60% adoption rate for puppies and younger dogs. No senior dog should live its last years lonely and scared.
The Solution:
Senior Canines + Senior Citizens = Best Lives Ever!
By removing barriers to pet ownership for seniors by underwriting the needs and costs of a senior dog in the home, both will have love in their later years. Senior dogs are perfect companions for older adults as they are generally less active and less likely to have behavioral issues or need special training. Another Heartbeat in the Home will provide leashes, collars, pet steps, doggie doors, food, and whatever else the senior citizen needs to have the pet in their home. In addition, because senior pets can have increased medical needs, a monetary fund will be established to help underwrite the costs of veterinary care. Finally, but most importantly, Another Heartbeat will assist in matching dogs and seniors.