On Golden Paws: Seniors for Seniors

Therapy animals have long scientifically proven to bring a smile, boost mood, and encourage people who are withdrawn or otherwise non responsive to reach out. Likewise, studies have validated that a person’s reaction to stress is less on pet owners and those with high blood pressure are better managed with the help of a four footed family member.

The Humane Society of Southern New Mexico’s “Seniors for Seniors” adoption program is all about rediscovering the joys of seniors having a companion animal in their life while saving the life of a senior cat or dog from our local shelter, sanctuary or rescue group. Pets wind up homeless when a senior citizen or others in the community go into a nursing home, die or otherwise can no longer care for their pet. Senior animals who are at the shelter because of these situations are not as adoptable as the ‘cute puppy or kitten’ coveted by the family with small children.

On Golden Paws, HSSNM’s “Seniors for Seniors” program places senior cats and dogs who are typically over five years of age with senior citizens 60 years of age or older. Adoption counselors, all trained HSSNM volunteers, are available to support a senior citizen living in a retirement setting, skilled nursing facility or in the community who would like to adopt a senior companion. “Seniors for Seniors” counselors can discuss your lifestyle, living situation and health issues as it relates to making the best match for you and the dog or cat that you desire.

HSSNM launches this program at the Ten Year Anniversary Celebration for The Village at Northrise on Saturday October 4th from 10 am to 3 pm. Look for HSSNM next to the animals for adoption from the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley, our local city/ county operated shelter. Diane Hammond is in charge of “Seniors for Seniors” and you can speak to her on Saturday or call her to learn more about this program by contacting HSSNM at 523-8020. Contact The Village at 522-1110 for more information on this fun filled day.

The Lifesavers project encourages local businesses to sponsor adoption events for shelter animals that await new homes, either at their business site or at an off-site location in our area.

Seventeen thousand (17,000) animals go through the door of the Dona Ana County shelter each year. Twelve thousand (12,000) of those animals never make it out. As a community we can do better. Businesses can play an important role in helping these completely adoptable companion animals find a wonderful home.

As a local business, you can take the reins of leadership. Share your organization’s time and talent, and give back to your community by saving lives.

Senator Mary Jane Garcia is the honorary chairperson of the Lifesavers project. Recognized with the “Woman of Peace” award by Governor Bill Richardson in 2003, State Senator Mary Jane Garcia is seen here visiting the Dona Ana County shelter. She has dedicated nearly 20 years to New Mexico leadership and protection of children and companion animals. Senator Garcia has represented Southern New Mexicans in District 36 as Senate Majority Whip since 1997. She has worked tirelessly to pass the “Missing Children’s Act” in 2001 and the “Lifetime Sentences for Deadly Child Abuse” in 2005. A lifelong advocate of humane animal treatment, she won passage of the ban on cockfighting in the 2007 legislative session and got the “Extreme Cruelty to Animals” bill passed in 1999.

Volunteer Positions: Many positions are available for this project. Click here for more information.

If your business would like to participate in the LifeSavers program, please click here for more information, and contact Marcia Weist, 521-3642.

An adoptee with Senator Garcia

“During the 2007 legislative session I had the opportunity to sponsor SB458, the Animal Sheltering Services Act which passed the legislature and was signed into law. I am confident that this law will improve the conditions of animal shelters by providing a more humane environment. I am deeply troubled having learned that, in New Mexico, at least 90,000 animals are euthanized each year. This is not acceptable and there needs to be a change for the better. This is why it gives me great hope to know that The Humane Society of Southern New Mexico in partnership with The Dona Ana County Humane Society are working together to end this horrible reality. I am certain that we can put an end to this situation if we all work together. I encourage everyone to promote adoption of animals from shelters and to take part in the Life Savers program.”