Based on studies, we know that pets can be the key to lower stress, increased happiness, and increased fitness in their owners.
Decreased blood pressure, decreased feeling of loneliness are additional health benefits from owning a pet.
Pets play a role in providing social support to their owners, which is an important factor as we age.
As you know, I am an animal rescue advocate.
I check into animal shelters/rescues/sanctuaries and spotlight them in my blog to help make people aware of these wonderful, no-kill facilities.
For The Love of Paws is an incredible pet sanctuary.
And what they do is unique.
They emphasize they are NOT a shelter.
They specifically deal with senior pets and senior citizens who are in a situation where they can no longer care for their pet or have passed away with no one to take their pet.
This sanctuary was awarded the Animal Welfare Organization of the Year 2019 by the 211 Community Help Line of Palm Beach/Treasure Coast.
Additionally, they have been given recognition by several other organizations.
For The Love of Paws provides peace of mind to senior citizens who can no longer care for their pet(s) due to being placed into hospice, memory care, assisted living, nursing home, or are undergoing a medical issue and temporarily can’t care for their pet(s) due to extended rehabilitation.
Incredible!
One such situation involved an 87-year-old gentleman who had to have a hip replacement and rehab.
For The Love of Paws temporarily took care of his 11-year-old deaf Dalmatian.
Another case involved a dog whose owner underwent major surgery and rehab and was temporarily housed at the shelter before being returned to his owner.
For The Love of Paws has several programs, which include:
• Paws Pet Sanctuary – When seniors can no longer care for their pets.
• Paws Meals on Wheels – Provides over 12,000 lbs. of free pet food monthly.
• Fur Real Pet Companions for Memory Care Patients – Real life robotic kitties for dementia patients.
• Precious Paws Veterinary Medical Fund – Provides pet health care to low-income senior citizens.
• Free Spay & Neutering Plus Shots/Micro Chip – For pets owned by seniors, veterans, the disabled, and low-income families.
In addition to providing 20 people food pantries with pet food, the sanctuary operates two mobile pet food pantries to help those in need with pets.
Why?
For The Love of Paws has a motto,
“Because everyone in the family matters!”
In 2020, For The Love of Paws donated 30 Pet Oxygen Mask Kits to Indian River County Fire Rescue.
On 12/7/21, fire fighters responded to a house fire in Vero Beach, FL where they were able to rescue a dog that was trapped in a room with heavy smoke and utilize the pet oxygen masks.
Two oxygen masks had been provided to every fire house in the county by For The Love of Paws.
This sanctuary maintains their 5-acre country farm for the benefit of their rescues and fosters for as long as they can maintain a pet’s life.
Work is still being performed and the sanctuary will be cageless.
After which time, they provide a proper, respectful, and loving end of life and are surrounded by love as they pass over the Rainbow Bridge.
For The Love of Paws is a 501(c)(3), no-kill organization.
They provide sanctuary, new “fur”ever homes or foster.
Please visit their website at pawspetsanctuary.org to view more information and check out the pets up for adoption.
For The Love of Paws
12198 County Road 512,
Fellsmere, Florida 32948
772-539-2417
pawspetsanctuary.org
Before you go, be sure to sign up for my mailing list here, so you don’t miss my weekly updates:
