Grants that Help More Pets Find Homes
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Oregon Humane Society (OHS) relies on donations and grants to fund our programs, services, and operations. OHS’ Foundation Relations Manager, Katie Hovde, works hard to ensure that the grants that we apply for will have the greatest impact on the most number of people and pets in our community.
OHS partners with Pets for the Elderly to provide $50 off adoption fees for senior citizens until all grant funds have been used. Since the beginning of 2023, over 140 senior citizens have received this adoption subsidy.
Here are two of their stories.
Susan & Bebe
After having lost her soulmate cat, Luna, at 20 years old, Susan took some time to grieve before deciding to adopt another animal. But when Susan was ready, so was Bebe.
Bebe is a 2-year-old cat who recently became a mama, but sadly lost most of her litter from bad upper respiratory infections. After caring for her kittens in a foster home, Bebe was really looking for a family who could care for her. She is sensitive to handling and being carried, and lets people know when she’s uncomfortable. She also hadn’t been eating very well since being back in the shelter from a foster home.
When she first entered the room with Susan and her daughter Lily, Bebe was hesitant, but curious. Susan didn’t put any pressure on her, and she gradually began to get more and more comfortable. Eventually, Bebe crawled into Susan’s waiting lap and decided that was her place for the rest of their time in the meeting room.
Susan was emotional coming into this meeting, as she still had Luna on her mind. But by the end, that worry had transformed into joy. When she learned she was eligible for a Pets for the Elderly discount on her adoption, she was thrilled to be able to have the extra funds to lavish her new family member and give Bebe all the love and care she deserves.
Edward & Anderson Pooper
Edward was looking for a friend to help him cope with a number of hardships he’d faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since Edward uses a walker, he was looking for a dog small enough to manage easily on walks, and without too many immediate medical needs of his own.
When Edward got in touch with OHS, our Customer Care team thought Anderson Pooper, a young terrier mix, could be just the right fit.
The next day, Edward came to the shelter to meet the little dog and they were a perfect match! Happy tears were shed and Edward was beyond thankful for the Pets for the Elderly grant that helped him with his adoption fee so he could devote more resources to the care of his new family member.
Edward continues to send updates of the two settling in together. He shares his gratitude to the shelter, the people, and the grant funding that enabled him to bring Anderson Pooper – now named Mr. Tigger – into his life.
How to Qualify for Pets for the Elderly
OHS makes it so easy to take advantage of the Pets for the Elderly subsidy program. In order to qualify for the $50 discount off your pet’s adoption fee, adopters must:
- Be 60 years or older
- Provide photo identification at the time of the adoption
- Agree to having your photo taken at the time of the adoption
Speak with a Customer Care representative during your adoption meet. Subsidies will be awarded to all who qualify until funding runs out.
