Senior pets generally are the last to be adopted and the first to be euthanized. Most rescue organizations will not even take them in because they are considered unadoptable. Senior citizens, on the other hand, sometimes have very small or fixed income ranges and would otherwise struggle to adopt a companion at the going rate in El Paso of $100 - $250, but they have a lot of love to give. Through the Senior to Senior Program, From the Heart takes senior dogs and matches them to senior citizens for reduced adoption fees and is the only program of its kind locally.
Prior to being placed, the pets are vet checked, spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and tested for various diseases (with treatment if necessary), at a cost which can exceed $500. As studies have repeatedly shown, there are numerous health benefits to having a pet. Because all the major expenses are taken care of by From the Heart, a senior on a fixed income can afford to have, and love, a pet who would, otherwise, be euthanized. It's a "win/win" situation for both!
In many instances the program has improved the lives of these senior citizens by giving them a purpose. Their physical health often shows improvement just by having incentive to get up and move around to care for their new best friend. They are also mentally in a better place with the love and companionship of a dog. Not to mention our senior dogs are more than happy to have a cozy lap of their own in which to curl up.
In the event the adopter should pass away before the animal, From the Heart is committed to taking the dog back into rescue if the family members cannot care for the animal.
