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The Cathy Perry Love for a Lifetime Program
The Cathy Perry Love for a Lifetime Program
There is a distinct advantage for senior citizens to have a pet in their life.
The simple act of petting a cat can help lower blood pressure. Companionship decreases depression and loneliness, and the responsibility of caring for "another" can get seniors motivated to be more active. Some senior citizens are reluctant to adopt for fear of becoming incapacitated while caring for a pet and not having anyone to take on the responsibility when they are no longer able.
The Cathy Perry Love for a Lifetime Program is NOT adoption; instead, it is a FOSTER opportunity
for the senior citizen to take in an adult cat.
Tell me more about the Love for a Lifetime Program:
In general, the human foster must be 75+ years of age, and the cat must be either 8+ years of age or
s/he has a health concern. These requirements may sometimes be altered due to specific circumstances
involving the cat and/or the human foster.
The cat lives in the senior home until the senior wishes to return the cat to Sheltering Hands. While we hope this does not occur, it may happen at times due to the senior becoming ill or being unable to care for the cat properly.
The cat remains the property of Sheltering Hands, so medical needs are provided through our normal healthcare channels. We will provide basic medical needs for the lifetime of the cat. It is important to note that Sheltering Hands has limited resources and may be unable to treat all conditions. In the event of certain serious illnesses or injuries, the Veterinarian Staff may need to decide on humane euthanasia for the cat.
The senior must be able to provide transportation for the cat to come to Sheltering Hands
for all medical needs and visits.
The senior provides food, housing and love. With more personalized attention from the senior “foster”,
the cat is less stressed and can live out its life in comfort.
How do I apply to be part of the Cathy Perry Love for a Lifetime Program?
The cat is matched with the senior based on the application and interview.
Regular communication with our staff is important to answer any problems or questions that arise.
Take a Chance on Me Program
Foster to Adopt
What is "Take a Chance on Me: Foster to Adopt" program?
The "Take a Chance on Me: Foster to Adopt" program is designed to place cats, that are often overlooked, into loving and caring homes. Humans agree to foster an eligible cat from the program for three (3) months. During this time, our staff regularly connects with the foster home to see how everything is going there. At the end of three (3) months, the human foster can decide to formally adopt the cat or return the cat to Sheltering Hands.
Why would a cat be part of this program? What is wrong with them?
The short answer is - NOTHING is wrong with them. Like people, each cat is different. Some adjust to a new home quickly while others do not. This program is to help those cats that are often overlooked have a chance at finding the love they deserve from a family. Some may adjust slowly to new places or people. Others may hate cages or be held tightly. Others are just older or have a "sickness" of some kind that makes most people look the other way. Still, others may just not be "as pretty" as others to the humans that come to adopt them. With that said - ALL of them deserve love and have much love to give, to the right human.
So how does the program work?
Approved humans are able to take one of these deserving cats home on a 'trial basis' with no obligation.
Here's how:
Fill out an application for adoption and note that you want to foster first. This will let us know that you are a potential foster home for the program. Sheltering Hands will run a background check and verify your application is all set.
Our Foster Coordinator will contact you to discuss which cats are eligible for the program and to schedule a time to visit your home. During this meeting they will answer your questions and ensure you have everything you need to properly foster the cat.
Upon approval, we will arrange for you to get the cat to bring home.
We ask that you give 3 months for the cat to adapt to your home, during which time we will call you twice a month
to get a progress report and answer any questions.
At the end of that time, you decide to finalize the adoption or return your foster.
NOTE: If there are other pets in the home, they must be spayed/neutered and up to date on vaccinations.
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