This is written with a heavy heart and perhaps, over emotional feelings. A long-time member, having lost her closest friend of many years, and then lost the last of her pets a month later, thought her life was over and then ended it.

Regrettably, we only know a small number of our older members personally, usually due to their presence at our events or Open House. Many have lost their spouse and have a pet or pets to help alleviate their isolation and loneliness. It is a common feeling to most of these people that they are too old to adopt a new animal when their last one has passed on. Tragically this mind set deprives them of the love and companionship only a pet can provide. Additionally, it prevents needy animals that would appreciate having a loving home, perhaps the only one they would ever know.

Open Door has many older dogs and cats that would give love, pleasure, and companionship to these lonely people. This is a great solution to the dual problems of an older animal lover without a pet to love and a homeless older animal without a home or master. Further, Open Door guarantees that we will re-admit and care for any animal that survives its owner. This provision has always been a part of our adoption policy.

When a person feels everything else is taken away and they have nothing to live for - an animal will provide a constant supply of affection that, by nature, most humans cannot give to another human. Having a loving animal to care for gives one a feeling of being needed and useful. Why not join us in the effort to match up these lonely people with homeless older animals? The great joy and multiple benefits are almost impossible to imagine. A human life as well as an animal's may be extended and perhaps even saved. We are concerned and truly care for both.

Every pet owner will want to share them with their animal-loving
friends and relatives.