pets in senior housing

[RhodaGrits]

A close friend of mine in her 70s has been on a waiting list for subsidized housing for ages. She finally got the call and interview from the selection committee and was selected to get the currently available apt from a group of 10 applicants. Good news, right? She called me up in tears last night to tell me. This should have been a night of celebration. For years, each month she has dipped into her savings to make ends meet until now she is finally broke and this apt will only cost her $219./mo vs. $700/mo for her current apt. The problem is her 17 yr old cat on medication for hyperthyroidism. They won't permit cats and she's faced with finding a cat that age a new home or electing euthanasia. I told her I would try but the cat doesn't tolerate other cats (so my house is out) and few people are willing to take on a cat of that advanced age and needs.

But why should she even be forced to make this choice? The cat is a well behaved sweetie that spends its days sleeping on my friend's lap or in its little bed in a sunspot. Numerous studies have shown that a pet is extremely beneficial to the health of the elderly, particularly those that live alone. I'm just so angry at the injustice of the whole situation. Housing or kill your best buddy - a helluva choice.

[SheilaT]

1. The rules not allow pets

are stupid. One or two small dogs or cats should not be a problem, and you're right about everything.

Is there any chance you could temporarily house this cat in a room apart from your others? Are there "no-kill" shelters in your area that can give you the name of someone who can take in the cat for the short time still remaining? Is there a local newspaper columnist who will do a piece on her? That might be the best way to find a new home for the cat.

I used to do volunteer work in a local animal shelter, and the most heartbreaking cases were the animals whose owner had died or had been removed to a nursing home and there was no one available to take the pets. Often they were older animals, or there were two cats or two dogs who'd spent their lives together.

Best of luck to you in your quest for a new home for your friends companion.

[RhodaGrits]

2. good suggestions

I'm thinking about calling the administrators of the program too... surely someone might make an exception? maybe a damage deposit?

[RebelOne]

3. I know, This is so sad.

I am on quite a few of pet rescue groups with YahooGroups.com and there are so many people who have to give up their pets due to your friend's circumstance. What state is she in? I could post to these groups. Sometimes there are rescues that will help by finding a foster or forever home for the pets.

[RhodaGrits]

4. near Kingston NY

thanks!

[asjr]

5. It makes no sense

to me. Animals are now being used in nursing homes because it helps the patients. My senior housing allows pets but want a $200.00 deposit. I wish you lived near me because my daughter would take that cat in a heartbeat. She takes in strays now.

[shimmergal]

6. Maybe somebody should try some lawsuits to expand the definition of

medically-necessary pets. For example, I'll bet they couldn't legally demand a tenant part with a seeing-eye dog. For most elderly people with much-loved pets, they're also a health benefit, as a lot of studies have proved.

[Lostmessage]

7. Tell her to have her Doctor write her a letter

She needs a Doctor to write that since she is elderly that it would do harm to her to lose her cat.