Are you living alone? Do you sometimes wish you had a furry little companion but don’t have the money in your budget for veterinary care or don’t know what you would do with a pet when you were out of town? Never fear, a wonderful idea from Arrowhead Animal Rescue is here!
Arrowhead Animal Rescue is now offering Cook County seniors the opportunity to provide cats (and a few dogs) a little tender loving care without some of the worries that come along with pet ownership.
“We get cats in that are shy, and they need a patient, quiet, and caring home,” according to the organization’s newsletter. “We supply all the food, litter, toys, bedding, and all vet care. All you need to do is open your home and heart to these cats.”
If a foster care provider needs to be away from home, Arrowhead Animal Rescue will find sitters for the pet as well.
The organization sometimes takes animals in under unusual circumstances. They recently rescued a stray cat that was found up the Gunflint Trail. “We received a call around 9:30 p.m. on a cold night about a cat that had been injured and needed our help,” says the newsletter. “The lady stated that a cat had been hanging around her house for a month or so playing with her cat. But this night something was wrong. The lady heard painful cries coming from the cat. She was able to catch the cat and provided it with warmth and food. This family saved this cat’s life.
“[Board members] Bev and Ashley [Green] went to pick up the cat who appeared to be near death from injuries and cold. … The cat was shivering from its fur being covered in ice balls, it was wobbly and could not stand up, and something was not right about its jaw, which was crooked. They warmed the cat and tried to feed it, then decided in the morning they would have to get it medical attention.
“The next morning, to our surprise, the cat let out a different kind of a cry as we opened the door. When we opened the kennel door, the cat walked out on its own [and] rubbed up against us as if to say, ‘Thank you for saving my life.’
“While the cat was stronger and able to walk, its jaw was still crooked and the cat was not able to eat anything although it clearly wanted to.” The cat was taken to Lake County Veterinary Clinic and underwent surgery by a vet who specializes in dentistry. When they shaved the cat to prevent skin infections, they found bruises and bite marks on him.
“He is currently doing great and will make a very loving cat,” says the newsletter.
“If it’s a gray day and someone is alone,” said Arrowhead Animal Rescue board member Barb Dvorak, “having an animal around will boost their spirits.”
“Pets are fun to snuggle, pet, walk and play fetch with,” says the newsletter, “but did you know that pets also have been proven to help us live healthier, even longer lives? It’s true! And pets especially help extend the life, health and happiness of seniors. Activities such as walking, feeding, grooming and playing with a pet improve the wellbeing of seniors.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “There are many health benefits of owning a pet. The companionship of pets can help manage loneliness and depression. Pets can increase your opportunities to exercise, participate in outdoor activities, and socialize. Therefore, regular walking or playing with pets can decrease your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels.
“Remember, healthy pets = healthy people!”
For more information on fostering a pet, contact Arrowhead Animal Rescue President Gay O’Donnell at (218)387-1781.
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