Perfect Matches at Golden Paws
At Golden Paws shelter in Portland, Oregon, something wonderful happens every Wednesday afternoon. A group of senior citizens from the nearby retirement community arrives for what they call "gentle visiting hours" — a program that pairs older adults with older dogs that are often overlooked by younger adopters.
Two-Way Healing
The program started three years ago when shelter volunteer Tom Richardson, 74, noticed that senior dogs — those over seven years old — waited an average of four times longer to be adopted than puppies. At the same time, he knew many of his friends at the retirement community were lonely.
"Older dogs are calmer, already trained, and just want someone to sit with them," Tom says. "That sounds a lot like what many of us want too."
Since the program began, 89 senior dogs have been adopted by participants, and the shelter reports that return rates for these adoptions are nearly zero.
More Than Companionship
Residents who have adopted through the program report sleeping better, walking more, and feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "My dog Biscuit needs me to get up every morning," says 81-year-old Eleanor Chen. "And honestly, I need her just as much."
The program has inspired similar initiatives at shelters in 12 other cities across the country. "Every older dog deserves a warm lap," Tom says, "and every person deserves someone who is always happy to see them come home."