Laughter and tears of joy today as more than 60 guests and members celebrated the first birthday of Golden Hearts Senior Pet Support program, an Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) concept especially designed for seniors.
“It was incredibly heart-warming to see the smiling, happy faces, to hear their own stories and even meet the dogs they adopted through us,” AWLQ President Sylvana Wenderhold said.
“This is a life-changing experience for many of them and will give them, and the dogs or cats they adopted.
“We look forward to many more years of this program and wanted to celebrate with the original members.
The Golden Hearts Senior Pet Support program is designed for people aged 65 or older who would like to have the companionship of a cat or dog.
Free to join, Golden Hearts provides support with adoption, vet bills, short-term emergency pet accommodation if the owner becomes ill, or the rehoming of that best friend should the owner need to go into care, or sadly passes away.
“Golden Hearts delivers peace of mind for people who may be concerned about the cost of owning a companion animal, or what could happen to them if they get sick, or worse,” Ms Wenderhold said.
“We will ensure that their companion animal is cared for.
“It benefits the senior but also helps provide loving homes for the 9,600 surrendered and abandoned animals Animal Welfare League Queensland rehomed last year alone.”
For John Alexander, who required emergency treatment in June, Golden Hearts’ Short Term Emergency Pet care service was invaluable.
“I could relax in hospital knowing that my dog Amy was being cared for and was safe,” he said.
If you would like more information on the Golden Hearts Senior Pet Support program head to the website – awlqld.com.au
Animal Welfare League Queensland is a charity dedicated to the care and rehoming of surrendered and abandoned companion animals. Since inception its five centres in South East Queensland have rehomed more than 115,000 animals in need, giving them a second chance at life.
