80 Year Old Woman Adopts 5 Year Old Dog

After the recent passing of her dog, 80 year old Julia Caroccio, a resident of Spring Oak Assisted Living Facility located in Vineland NJ, knew that she needed to replace the emptiness in her heart and in her home.  On Sunday, January 22, 2012, that emptiness was replaced with a little bundle of joy as she was introduced to KK, a 5 year old pure bred Shih Tzu (or Shitsu) from Georgia.  KK was surrendered by her owners because they did not have enough time for her.

The “meet and greet” took place at the Home for Good Dog Rescue’s office in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. Ms. Caroccio was accompanied by her daughter, Debra Springfield, and her son in-law.  Conducting the “meet and greet” were Home for Good Dog Rescue volunteers Amy Huntington, who fostered KK, and Marty Zervas. Ms. Caroccio immediately fell in love with KK, stating “I need a forever friend with me for the rest of my life”.

Ms. Caroccio saw KK on Petfinder.com and applied on-line for KK through the Home for Good website.  At the time, she was unaware of Home for Good’s Seniors for Seniors program. The program promotes the adoption of older dogs to senior citizens in an effort to provide mutual companionship and love.  Under the Home for Good Seniors for Seniors Program, the adopter must be 65 years or older and the dog is typically 5 years or older.  The adoption fee is waived and Home for Good provides the initial bag of food.  Transportation and initial veterinary care cost incurred by Home for Good during fostering is paid for by donations.

Like KK, older dogs may lose their homes for many different reasons; most of which are unrelated to the dog’s behavior.  Common reasons why older dogs become homeless include: allergies, the owners moving to a place where dogs are not allowed, not having enough time for the dog, a change in work schedule, a new baby or other change in lifestyle.  Unfortunately, in crowded shelters with euthanasia policies, the older dogs are typically put at the top of the death list. Shelters find that puppies and younger dogs are more “adoptable”.  

But for Seniors and families looking for an alternative to the challenges associated with raising and training a puppy, an older dog may be the answer.  Older dogs don't make the kinds of demands on your time and attention that puppies and young dogs do.  The instant advantages of adopting an older dog are numerous.  Older dogs generally have had some training, are house-trained, and have been socialized.  Because they are older, the dogs are calmer, well focused and generally learn quickly.  Older dogs also settle into their new homes easily because they know what it takes to get along with others and to be part of the family. 

The company of a companion dog can reduce depression and can help improve ones physical and mental health.  By adopting and spending time with a dog, you can experience the benefits of lowered stress levels and blood pressure.  According to Toni Ann Turco, President of Home for Good Dog Rescue, “Everyone needs a companion, and for senior citizens, dogs make a great forever friend”.

For more information about the Home for Good Seniors for Seniors adoption program or to contribute to Home for Good Dog Rescue, please call 908-598-8212 or visit their website at http://homeforgooddogs.org. Home for Good adoption counselors can help you pick a dog that complements your personality, housing situation, and lifestyle. To help other senior citizens seeking a canine companion, donations may be ear marked for the Home for Good Seniors for Seniors program to help defray the cost of transportation and medical care.

Seniors for Seniors pet adoption programs are offered by shelters and rescues nationwide. Most offer either free or reduced adoption fees along with a variety of other benefits. Check with your local animal shelter or pet rescue organization for more information on their program.