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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Archives Revels Classifieds Real Estate Guide Weather Subscribe Contact Us September 27, 2004 Donation to fund program to pair seniors, older cats By Bill Choy Ashland Daily Tidings Older cats that might not otherwise be adopted and seniors in need of companionship are being paired up in a new program sponsored by the Friends of the Animal Shelter. The Whiskers on Wheels program is helping cats five years and older housed at the Jackson County Animal Shelter in Phoenix find homes with seniors. Thanks to a three-year financial commitment by Ashland attorney and developer Lloyd Haines, Whiskers on Wheels started operation last month. Program Director Markus Gabriel said they just received their first cat that they are trying to place with a senior. He said many older cats taken to the animal shelter do not find homes. The program is a way to help these felines and bring cheer into the lives of seniors who may be shut-ins and in need of some companionship, Gabriel said. "We have seen a lot of older animals put to sleep that couldn't find a home that should have, and we see seniors who could benefit from their companionship," he said. "It brings a better quality of life to both parties." Gabriel said older cats and seniors are a perfect mix. "They're perfect companions for seniors because they are usually more calm and set in their ways," he said. "Unlike kittens, they are going to be where they are their whole lives temperament wise." While the program mainly focuses on cats five years and older, they will also place dogs and kittens with seniors if requested, Gabriel said. The shelter will call Gabriel when a animal is in need of a home and he will go out and try to find a suitable home. Haines, who has been long-time volunteer for Friends of the Animal Shelter, first approached them with an idea of putting a shelter in a senior home. When it was decided the idea was not feasible, Haines and his fellow Friends of the Animal Shelter volunteers began to brainstorm ways to help seniors and animals in the area when they came up with the idea of Whisker on Wheels. He said watching a dog or cat with an elderly person is wonderful to behold. "All you have to do is be around a bedridden or elderly person and see their face light up," Haines said. "You see the benefits right there. I hope this program makes a difference." Haines, who is funding the entire program for its first three years, including funds for the hiring of Gabriel, said he is trying to do his own small part to help the community. "I'm blessed, and when one is blessed it's positive to help and give something back," he said. Haines is hopeful community donations and grants will help continue to fund the program after three years. The Whisker on Wheels program will feature in-home adoption with a reduced fee, spaying, neutering and vaccination treatment, a starter kit of pet supplies, veterinary house calls, and follow-up counseling, For more information on the Whiskers on Wheels program, call Markus Gabriel at 621-9797, or e-mail him at [email protected]. DailyTidings.com Home Page Archives | Revels | Classifieds | Real Estate Guide | Weather | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2005 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Slippers Women's & Men's Slippers Ceramic Piggy Banks heloc libor rate Calenders 2005 Calender 2005 Accelerate Weightloss Products Memory Foam Mattress afsa studentloans home equity loans teleconferencing W2 Forms fasa student loans Matchmaking & Dating Scripts African Safari Conference Calls - $50/Month Security Systems student loan consolidation wholesale diamonds Currancy Exchange web conferencing Online Casinos Community Click Here Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams