Purina is establishing October as Purina Senior PetLover Adoption Month to help pets find loving homes and seniors the perfect companion.



During the month, animal shelters will be encouraging seniors to adopt by hosting events in their areas to pair seniors with adoptable pets.

Furthermore, for qualifying seniors age 60 years or older, Purina and Tony La Russa's Senior Adoption Program will underwrite most of the adoption fee to make it financially easier for them to adopt.

Studies have shown that having a loving pet in your golden years can significantly improve your quality of life.

In a national Purina Senior PetLover survey of 514 pet-owning Americans ages 60 and older, 66 percent of participants said that their pets keep their mind active and memory sharp.

Almost half, 45 percent, reported that they are now more physically active after adopting a pet.

The majority of participants claimed an emotional advantage, with 84 percent reporting that owning a pet makes them feel happier.

Pet therapy is not an unusual idea, especially within the world of pets. Animal shelters, such as the Humane Society of Broward County in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., continually send owners and their pets to people in need of some unique recreation.

The feedback is positive. "People feel less lonely and are motivated to do more exercise," said Marni Bellavia, education partnership coordinator at the Humane Society of Broward County. "Having a pet come helps bring them out of their shell."

It also allows seniors to reminisce. "Having a pet visit brings back old memories of their past pets," Bellavia said.

Volunteers and their pets are not only deployed to nursing homes. Rehabilitation facilities and children's hospitals also benefit from the program.

The advantages of the program are recognized. Volunteers arrive ready to help those who need it.

"They come to us because they have a loving pet they want to share with people who are less fortunate than they are," said Bellavia.

People like Bellavia spend their days promoting pet therapy but often, it's the facilities that reach out to them looking for a unique recreational activity to stimulate the minds of their residents or patients.

For seniors seeking a furry companion, events will be hosted throughout the month of October in your area. For more information or participating animal shelters you can visit The Purina Pet Lover website.

For more information on the pet facilitated therapy program or the adoption month at the Broward humane society visit their website. To check if your shelter has similar programs or want more information on the senior adoption month contact your local shelter. Visit the Humane Society of the United States web site to find a shelter near you.

"We know that thousands of dogs and cats need good homes," said Steve Cohn, DVM, a Purina Pets For Seniors veterinarian. "So it is a win-win situation when bringing a pet into the home improves the quality of life for both the pet and owner."