'I never expected anyone to help me': Local program supports seniors with pets in Calgary

Things became uncertain for Wanda Ross after her vet moved.

A 70-year-old Calgarian knew her sick cat Roxy, who was just over 15 years old, needed help.

Fortunately, while searching for helpful resources for a friend, Ross came across the Calgary Humane Society and learned about an initiative called the Excellence Partnership Program.

“It's a great organization to get someone to help them because I'm (a) very healthy person and I can do everything myself. But to go to the vet, my vet has moved, so it's $40 … I take a taxi each way, I don't have that kind of money,” Ross said.

Fortunately, Ross isn't alone—the program allowed him to seek medical care for Roxy without breaking the bank.

The Continuing Partnership Program is an initiative launched in late 2023 by the Calgary Humane Society and the Calgary Seniors Resource Society.

According to Sally Johnston, Director of Community Services at the Calgary Humane Society, it's designed to help seniors in need who may not have access to a proper support system.

“This is our program for vulnerable seniors,” he told CBC Radio. The Homestretch.

“Seniors living on very fixed incomes may or may not have social supports to help them, but they have pets or needs in their lives that we really want to support. create this communication opportunity for”.

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LISTEN | Sally Johnston says about the program:

So how does the program help those in need? It provides access to veterinary care and focuses on things like arranging vaccinations, exams, spays, neuters and emergency pet care.

It also provides end-of-life services where applicable.

“If it's time to say goodbye, we want to make sure the owner stays with their pet and has a keepsake afterward,” Johnston said.

She said she tries to keep pet adoption fees as affordable as possible for seniors. Those interested are also encouraged to volunteer and connect with like-minded peers.

Comprehensive care

The Continuity Partnership program aims to provide “comprehensive, supportive care” for all types of pets, including cats, dogs, rabbits, and even things like “special diets,” Johnston said. and so on.

“If the animal is on a prescription diet, we want to include that as well, because it's really important to make sure the care we provide is as holistic in nature as we can make it.”

The program has been especially touching for seniors like Ross who find companionship and love through their pets.

“One day I got a call from a family member of an older man who wanted to bond with a larger animal for his great-grandmother, and I thought that was really cool,” Johnston said.

“It was exciting to be able to say that we have programs to help support them. That's why there are seniors out there looking for a connection with their pets, whether it's through adoption or even fostering.”

Easy access

Funded by donations from members of the public, the program is easy to access—seniors in need can contact the Calgary Humane Society and ask for help.

“All they have to do is call us and we'll talk to them. There are a lot of resources and options in the program that are right for that person,” Johnston said before giving an example.

“If your pet has to go to the vet and paying for that means you're sacrificing that month's rent or that month's grocery bill, then we're here to solve that problem,” she said.

“It's really needed to talk to these seniors who may need a little extra help with their pets.”

In addition, Ross is grateful to have his help, and is “rejected by the amount of help” he has received so far.

“I never expected anyone to help me. “I am always a person who helps others,” he said.

“And this is the first time someone has helped me… I'm really happy.”