Skip to main content

Silver Whiskers

When I listen to the morning news, the only thing I really enjoy is the human-interest stories. I loved the story I am about to share; it just made my day and many days to follow. I am not sure where this is happening, but the concept is what is important, it is heart-warming. A humane society is pairing cats with seniors. It is like a foster situation, the senior doesn't have to pay for the litter or food, and the cat gets a loving home. The program is called "Silver Whiskers".  

I read an article some time ago when a similar initiative was done with dogs. Every inmate in a federal prison was given a dog as a companion. They were responsible to look after them and look after them they did. What a win-win situation. A dog gives unconditional love, and an inmate is in need of love. What a beautiful way to teach an inmate how to love and care for something. A dog would have no judgement on their owner except to do their job, be devoted and show them love.  

A dog gives unconditional love. If the owner disappears for 30 seconds, the dog is excited to see them again. They will accept attention from anyone, but they usually have one "person" in the family that they prefer to be with. There is never enough love and affection for a dog. Now a cat, not so much. They are more takers than givers. Some cats are perfect pets; they will sit on the lap of the owner and purr away. I hope all of the Silver Whisker cats are lap sitters, purr loudly and sleep with their owner.

As a non-pet person, it appears to me having a pet is a lot of work. I have such respect for good pet owners. Their pets are very much a part of their family, and their needs are met over and above. The furniture in the living area includes beds and toys for their pets. A feeding area is established somewhere usually the kitchen along with a continuous water bowl. It seems a dog can't have a drink of water without it getting onto the floor. Pet owners embrace the splashes and the extra hair as life with a pet. Having a dog is like having a treadmill. As soon as the word "walk" is said, they are at the door to get ready. A pet's birthday is celebrated along with other special occasions throughout the year. Pet pictures are the cutest and every pet owner has their fair share. That is what you do when you love your pet.  

Dog sitters are very important, a dog can't manage on their own, unlike a cat. A cat requires a check in person while the family is away. If a family chooses kennel life for their dogs, they are so lucky. There are terrific places, it is like the pet is also on a holiday at some resort or spa. Apparently, kennel life has to start early in the dog's life, an old dog who is unfamiliar to that type of environment would not do very well.  

I love solutions. The solution to the cats that weren't being adopted was to do the next best thing and develop a "Silver Whiskers" program. It was also the solution to help seniors that needed to be needed. Having a pet is the perfect solution for loneliness. I hope that the pairing of overpopulated animal shelters and lonely seniors continues. It is a brilliant solution to an ongoing problem.     


Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 15, 2026 at 9:31 AM

    I love this, Faye. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Easter Baking

Easter is a holiday that is steeped with tradition and reflection. It holds a different meaning for each of us. Every Easter I reflect on how it was when I was a kid, way back in the dark ages, and how everything has changed so much. For many families it is a time to come together to celebrate the traditions that are meaningful to them.  Easter is a sacred time for Christians as they celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ . Easter is known as a  time for rebirth, hope and new beginnings.                                      I doubt anyone has a family memory that can trump the "Dixon Family Egg Hunt". My Dad was one of 10 children in his family. They were never all at home at the same time, but there were probably at least 6 or 7 kids on the egg hunt each year. Their dear mother would dye 14 dozen eggs with no food coloring. All I know is beets make red eggs. Dad would speak of h...
2 comments
Read more

Final Requests

I was just rolling through Facebook as I often do, when this touching post caught my eye. A final request was made by an elementary schoolteacher in Georgia. Before she passed, she asked that instead of flowers that people bring backpacks filled with school supplies to her funeral. Her final request resulted in hundreds of backpacks from friends, family and strangers. Children she had never met will have what they need to shape their future.  At the time of death, people want to do something. Often it is a donation to a charity either identified by the family or of the donor's choice. I have to admit, I am poor at giving to a memoriam, I'm not sure why. But I would certainly buy and fill a backpack. I don't think I am alone when I say, I love creativity. I am also all in when it is for a cause and especially if children are involved.  This woman is leaving a legacy behind. She just wanted to help children as the last thing she did. She had no idea the magnitude of her reque...
4 comments
Read more

Just put your head down and do it!

I recently attended a competition at my gym. By attending I mean I simply watched and volunteered. The CrossFit competition was called the "Grit Games" which explains how grueling it was. The competitors were in a zone and did their absolute best to finish what they had started. The competition was a timed event and as they neared the end of their time and the tank appeared to be empty, they just put their head down and did it. Not one single person quit, that was not an option.   Waves of Hope recently had a practice day which started in the morning. We got in the boat, and there were a few more waves than usual, so the decision was made to paddle to the other side of the lake, where it was calmer. It is moments like that where I am in absolute awe. The steersperson is in position at the back of the boat calling the shots. The coach has her voice turned up. The long-time paddlers are set and ready to go. I have to say one more time, I have the utmost respect for the long-tim...
2 comments
Read more