Correction – an earlier version of this story had the incorrect original adoption rates – the discounted prices were correct.
If there are any beings deserving of more love and companionship, it might just be elder humans and their fellow seniors in the pet realm. Now there is a new local program to bring them together.
Loneliness is a problem among the elderly, but local seniors will catch a break with a new program that will enable them to adopt a senior dog or cat for a greatly reduced rate. The Twentynine Palms Rotary donated $2,150 to Palms N’ Paws, the city-owned animal shelter, to fund the adorable program.
Thus, any Twentynine Palms resident 65 or older can now adopt a dog or cat six years old or older at a bargain rate. Dogs are $35 and cats are $31, normally, the rate are $201 and $114, respectively. The fee includes microchip, rabies shot, city license, combo-Parvo/Distemper shot, Bortadella vaccination, plus spay/neutering service. The new pet owners will also receive one free checkup voucher with VCA 29 Palms Animal Hospital and one free appointment with 29 Paws Pet Grooming.
“We want to give back to the community and get these animals adopted,” said Animal Control Supervisor Rick Boyd. “Sometimes our older folks can’t afford the adoption, but everybody needs a companion, especially the elderly. It’s worth it – all that unconditional love. It’s a win/win.”
Boyd stated that the shelter takes in about 80 animals a month and they adopt out about 40-50 during the same period. “We do a lot of return-to-owners and work with rescues. We do take in a lot of pit bulls, bulldog mixes, German shepherds, and Labradors,” said Boyd. “The Marines are not allowed to have pit bulls, no pit mixes or bully (bulldog) breeds, so that adds to the population.”
Currently, the shelter has approximately 105 animals ready for adoption, about eight of those are reptiles. Boyd stated that the program will expire when the donated funds are depleted so it is first come, first served. The shelter is located at 7086 Bullion Ave in Twentynine Palms. For more info, visit Palms n’ Paws on Facebook or call 760/367-6799 X3.
Links:
https://www.ci.twentynine-palms.ca.us/palms-n-paws-shelter
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Palms-N-Paws-Animal-Shelter/1126639214142657
https://www.petfinder.com/member/us/ca/twentynine-palms/palms-n-paws-animal-shelter-ca547/
