February 1 2012
Matching Muttville's Senior Dog Program with San Francisco Village
San Francisco Village members can take advantage of one of Muttville’s most heartwarming programs, Seniors for Seniors, which matches senior dogs with senior citizens.
“Senior dogs are generally pre-trained, come from homes where they have lived with seniors, and are usually calmer and easier to care for than energetic younger dogs,” [Sherri] Franklin said.
Dog ownership for seniors promotes relaxation, better mental and physical health, lowered blood pressure, increased exercise, feeling more secure at home, improved community relations, companionship and love. Through “customized pairings” seniors fill out applications and Muttville finds the right canine match. A good fit is assured by a two-week trial period.
In January 2012, the Doris Day Animal Foundation provided a grant to Muttville specifically to underwrite the cost of adoption. Since starting the Seniors for Seniors program in 2008, an estimated 300 dogs and seniors have been paired. …
