When her beloved dog passed away, Alice Boissonneau tried to adopt a cat but she was refused because of her age.
Looking for another animal rescue to help provide her with the love and companionship she so longed for, the senior citizen from Guelph was unable to before she passed away in 2007.
Inspired by Boissonneau, Marlene Santin, a volunteer with New Hope Animal Rescue (NHAR) in Guelph, introduced the Pets for Alice program, an initiative that helps to improve the lives of both pets and citizens by pairing eligible seniors with a companion animal in need of a home.
"While I was studying in university in the 90's, I had a neighbour in Downtown Guelph. She was an elderly woman and a widow. Her name was Alice," Santin said.
"We became quite close. Over the years, I used to walk her dog for her. But then, life happened and I started to get busy while pursuing a PhD, so I didn't see Alice as much."
At her celebration of life in 2008, Santin found out about Boissonneau's previous attempts in trying to adopt a cat.
"She went to a couple shelters and was turned away because of her age. She was told that she was too old to adopt an animal. She was actually denied twice," Santin said.
"I wish I knew. I would have helped her. But it was too late."
Boissonneau is the inspiration behind the Pets for Alice program, an initiative that, Santin says, began with the idea that seniors should not be denied of having an animal because of their advanced age.
"It's was very sad and devastating that Alice longed for an animal companion, but she was denied because of her age," Santin said.
New Hope Animal Rescue’s mission is to provide an alternative animal rescue organization. Dedicated to enhancing the welfare of all animals, the organization offers adoption, feral cat programming, and fostering opportunities.
The aim is to create an environment where the relationship between animals and humankind is guided by compassion.
Santin says the Pets for Alice program is a positive step in doing just that.
"Our target audience is seniors, especially low income seniors, or those with disabilities," Santin said.
"Some of our clients also live with mental health issues and might be denied the opportunity of adopting an animal at a conventional shelter."
Since it's inception in 2011, approximately 38 animals and 14 volunteers have participated in the the Pets for Alice program.
"Currently we have 16 cats and two dogs involved," Santin said.
A volunteer with New Hope Animal Rescue since 2010, Santin says the organization is mainly for cats, but if someone needs to surrender a dog, the organization will try to find a foster home.
Many studies show that loyal companionship of animals can make the golden years happier and healthier.
Animals involved in the Pets for Alice program, are essentially on loan from New Hope Animal Rescue, located at Jones Baseline in Guelph.
The foster caregiver is responsible for the daily financial care of the animal including food, litter and incidentals. Regular veterinary maintenance is provided by NHAR and home visits are made by volunteers to ensure all is well with the animal and the caregiver.
"Many any are volunteers who have forged some really nice relationships. Some clients want a weekly visit, some want a monthly visit. It depends on the client. We work with them to tailor the program to their needs," Santin said.
"All the cats we place in this program are healthy. The animals we place in the program are not necessarily unadoptable, but maybe not as desirable. For example, we might have someone surrender a 10 year old cat and we will try to adopt the animal. But if we've had the animal for a few months or longer, and there hasn't been much traffic, we will place the pet in the Pets for Alice program."
Santin says it's a win-win for both animals and seniors.
"I think the best thing about the program, is that not only does an animal find a home, but it is also designed so that seniors have someone visiting them and have social contact," she said.
Boissonneau had a career as a social worker. A few years ago, Santin was able to contact her family.
"They were incredibly touched. Alice did not have any children. She had nieces and nephews. We let them know, and they were just absolutely delighted," Santin said.
"With a program like this, it really makes me think about Alice and the fact that she was unable to receive any charity towards the end of her life. She was the most incredibly kind and charitable person you could ever meet. And to me, that was very sad, because she did so much for her community and for society. The fact that we could not give back to her towards the end, this program does just that." Santin said.
For anyone interested in taking part in the Pets for Alice program, to volunteer, or donate, visit here.
"Pets for Alice allows us to place cats in foster homes, and to help more animals," Santin said.
"And it gives seniors something to look after and something to live for. This program really is a game changer."
