Senior Fostering

Seniors, are entering the world of foster parenting. Their homes, however, are not being open to people, but to animals in need.

In a recent AARP article, Beth Ostrosky Stern, a big animal advocate and wife of satellite radio host Howard Stern, describes how she brough in a litter of kittens to take her mind off losing their beloved bulldog, Bianca. Since then, she said she has cared for more than 2,000 cats at her home. Those without children, like the Sterns, empty nesters, widows, or widowers are just a few examples of potential senior fosters.

Shelters often become full and are unable to accommodate more animals, thus leaving euthanasian as the only alternative. Also, many seniors may opt to foster senior animals as they are not as easily adoptable and often do not need the exercise a younger animal might need. Fostering also does not require as much commitment as full ownership which could be helpful, for example, for those who live alone but like to travel. 

The hardest part of fostering is knowing this pet who is desperately in need may leave for another family one day. The best way to deal with that is to remember, you are a pit stop in this animal’s life to their forever home. Of course, there are what shelters call ‘foster fails,’ where foster families keep their foster pet, however, it is also good to remember that sometimes foster families are providing the ultimate sacrifice and are clearing the way for another needy homeless animal down the road.

Seniors Fostering Animals: Neponset Valley Humane Society

For many humane societies without physical shelters, foster homes serve an integral role in their ability to rescue animals. Every type of household can work, including one with other pets, as long as there is a separate space in which the fostered animal can adjust. Seniors can make excellent fosters, as their schedules may be more flexible and they may have more time to spend with the animal and evaluate its behavior for future placement. The length of time an animal spends in foster care can vary based on many factors.

Humane societies typically cover the cost of medical care, as well as other food and supplies if needed, during the foster period, an additional advantage, especially for seniors. Similar to the adoption process, individuals interested in fostering must fill out an application and be screened. 

It should also be noted that many humane societies give special consideration to seniors looking to adopt an animal, especially a senior animal, which is an ideal situation for both the senior and the pet. This can range from reduced or waived fees for adoption to special programs that provide ongoing support to senior adopters of senior animals.

For more information on the Neponset Valley Humane Society Seniors for Seniors Program, contact Lisa Crowley, at 

Lisa Crowley, Seniors for Seniors Program Coordinator

Neponset Valley Humane Society 

Norwood Senior Center Hours

Did you know the Norwood Senior Center is open late on Tuesdays during the summer? During July and August, their hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Farmers Market Information

Coupons

The Senior Center received farmers market coupons in July. This year the coupon books contain $50 worth of coupons which is twice as much as last year! For more information or to inquire if any are left, call Kathleen Rooney 781-762-1201.

SNAP HIP Benefit 

If you use your EBT card at a participating HIP vendor (should be a sign displayed) at a farmers market, farmstand, mobile market or community garden, you will be reimbursed for your purchase up to $40 per month for a 1-2 person household. If you aren’t familiar with this benefit, call Kathleen Rooney, 781-762-1201. 

FREE Concerts

Don’t forget about Norwood’s FREE concerts on the common during the summer! There are a few more left in August to enjoy! Bring chairs and enjoy an evening of big bands or Norwood’s own Carillon sounds.

Big Bands

Concerts on the Common

Sundays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Aug 6: Westwood Swing band

Aug. 13: SOS Big Band

Aug. 20: Oberleandler Hofbrau Band

Aug. 27: Dan Gabel & the Abletones

Carillon Concerts

Mondays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

August 7: Simone Browne, New York, NY

August 14: Margaret Pan, Somerville

August 21: Jennifer Herrmann, Boston

August 28: John Whiteside, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Cohasset

On the Lighter Side

Summerfest Concerts

Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

August 2nd - Pan Neubean Steel

August 9th - Southern Rail

August 16th - Hipshot Band