Seniors for seniors program available at Warwick animal shelter

WARWICK - For an organization that is already home to about 20 dogs, 80 cats and, at various times, a number of goats, roosters, rabbits, buzzards, ducks or what-have-you, it’s hard to imagine that its Animal Shelter would have a resident pet. But, nevertheless, after one year, that’s what “Harley,” a lovable 12-year-old black Lab has become. “He sleeps on the couch in our office,” said Suzyn Barron, president of the Warwick Valley Humane Society. “Harley has been here just over a year and he’s our dog. But he’s also available for adoption and we would love to see him find a good home.” Harley has become a sort of shelter host who lives in the office, greets visitors, likes to walk, enjoys hanging out and is friendly to other dogs and cats. He’s easy to care for and in spite of his friendly disposition, has been known to sound the alarm by barking if a stranger approaches after hours. Harley was returned to the Warwick Animal Shelter when his owner passed away and there was no one left to care for him. And like many older pets in similar situations, he is less likely to find love in a new home than a puppy or kitten. For the past several years, the Warwick Valley Humane Society has had a Seniors for Seniors Program whereby a designated “senior” pet can be adopted by a senior citizen, age 60 or over, with an approved adoption application. The adoption fees are waved. “This program was started in an effort to find homes for our older homeless pets who make perfect companions in so many ways,” said Barron. “Naturally the life span of a senior pet is shorter but we often worry about older senior citizens who insist upon adopting a puppy or kitten. We know they might outlive their owners. “Oddly enough,” said Barron, “it is often a younger person or family who adopts an older pet, just wanting to give a senior dog or cat a home for however long they may have. But in many cases, the ideal situation would be for a senior to adopt a senior pet.” For additional information about the “Seniors to Seniors” program, call the Warwick Valley Humane Society at 986-2473.