We have a new resource listing at Senior Resource Connect, and quite an awesome one! We all know how important pets can be in our lives, and Friends for Life is advocating for our pets and their owners. This program through Humane Society of Huron Valley, is an emerging program to help keep seniors or those in need, with their pet companions. Alicia Curley, Program Coordinator for Friends for Life, tells us more about this in our interview!
Senior Resource Connect: If you had to give an “elevator speech” about what your organization does, how would you describe it?
Alicia Curley: The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) has been saving animals and helping people in Washtenaw County since 1896. With our newest program, Friends for Life, our goal is to protect the bond between humans and their animal companions for as long as possible. Thanks to a generous grant, HSHV has new resources to aid seniors and their pets with discounted veterinary services, essential food and supplies, behavior advice, short-term pet harboring (as available) and in some cases providing hands on care services like animal cleanup. Of course, if there are others with exceptional need, we’ll do our best to help them, too!
SRC: Walk me through the step-by-step process. What happens when you get a phone call/referral?
AC: There are multiple ways to get in touch with Friends for Life, like using the contact form on our website or by emailing [email protected]. But no matter how you contact HSHV, someone will be able to point you in the right direction.
When we receive notice there’s a pet and person in need, we’ll reach out as appropriate to gather more information and determine how we might be able to assist. If we can help, we’ll connect with the appropriate HSHV teams and get to work!
SRC: What organizations do you work closely with?
AC: We’re fortunate to have great community partnerships that enable us to get supplies to those who can’t physically make it to our shelter. For example, we work with Meals on Wheels Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor, Community Action Networks, and Manchester Family Services to supplement pet food for pet owners. If someone is already connected with those organizations and needs food for their cat or dog, a great first step is reaching out to them to get signed up.
SRC: What are some things you wish the public knew about your role?
AC: HSHV is here to help people and animals in whatever situation they find themselves in without judgement. We know asking for help isn’t an easy thing to do! The heart of our mission is helping animals and people, and when someone in need approaches us, we’re focused only on figuring out how we can best support them and help their animal companion.
SRC: What tips do you have for someone with a loved one that’s going through this issue/needs assistance?
AC: It’s important to understand just how strong and special the animal-human bond is. Pets can be literal life savers; they can improve mental and physical health while decreasing social isolation. This is especially true for seniors. So, when someone is struggling to care for their pet, it can be extremely distressing. There are many ways we can help, so please reach out when the need arises. If there’s a way to keep animals and humans together in loving and safe homes, we want to help find a way to make it happen!
SRC: Is there anything you would like to add?
AC: The Friends for Life program was made possible by the Buhr Family and is in memory of Ann Buhr and Kathy Buhr. We’re thankful for their support and for the opportunity to help our pet-loving community in new and expanded ways.
For more information on Friends for Life, check out their website: https://www.hshv.org/friendsforlife/
