The majority of dog adopters want to adopt puppies. Puppies are without a doubt cute, so it makes sense why someone would prefer one over, perhaps, an older, more mature, and more relaxed senior dog. But if San Francisco’s Muttville is to be believed, those elderly dogs will soon be spending lots of time in person with persons who are aware of the needs of older people. The nonprofit organization that Sherri Franklin created in 2007 rescues senior dogs from throughout California who are at least seven years old.
By helping senior canines, the charity is giving them a second chance at life. They are doing a lot more as well. In 2013, Muttville introduced the “Cuddle Club,” a brand-new initiative. It promotes Seniors for Seniors, another one of their adoption initiatives. Senior folks are welcome to visit the shelter up to four times a month and utilize the community cuddle room. Additionally, because it is disability accessible, it is practical for them to do so. They can spend some time with old dogs once they are inside. There is currently a waiting list of senior organizations due to the event’s rising popularity.
Franklin tells Mental Floss that the initiative “is a win-win.” “While our senior folks, some of whom are lonely, have built a society where they get out and mingle and receive plenty of unconditional love,” a senior person said, “our senior pets get love and attention.”
Even if they are unable to acquire a dog of their own, older individuals can visit the Cuddle Club and interact with senior canines. To benefit from the program, you are not required to bring a pup home. When visiting the animals, seniors can walk them and may even let tiny dogs ride on their walkers.
According to volunteer Beth Hofer of Muttville, “I think the dogs are providing some of our clients a sense of value because occasionally a dog will come down, they’re anxious, and they start trembling, and over 15 or 20 minutes, the dog quits shaking and has fallen asleep on that person’s lap.” It’s obvious how content and happy the person is that they were able to assist the dog.
Seniors for Seniors is an adoption organization that assists seniors in adopting an older dog. The $200 adoption cost is waived if the adopter is at least 62 years old, among its many other advantages. When the dogs move into their new home, Muttville will also provide them with a kit that includes a collar, harness, leash, dog bowls, medication, and some starter food. Additionally, a bed is available, and occasionally steps and a dog gate may also be available. As of October 2018, 6000 canines had already been saved because of Muttville. Members of the Cuddle Club are among those who adopted the dogs.
Along with the Cuddle Club and Seniors for Seniors, Muttville offers various initiatives. Additionally, they have a canine hospice program that allows dogs who are nearing the end of their lives to receive palliative treatment. Most of the expenses are covered by Muttville.
The benefits of spending time with pets for pet owners’ health are well documented. At the Cuddle Club events, Franklin notes, “We see stress lifted from both the dogs and our visiting humans since studies have proven that holding and petting a dog lowers cortisol (a stress hormone) in your body and lowers blood pressure.” Decreased depression, increased physical activity, and improved well-being are other advantages.
To view all of Muttville’s dogs, go to the website. You can still adopt one of their canines even if you aren’t yet a senior citizen. A senior dog could be helpful to people of all ages because they have so much to offer.