Help seniors care for their critters

Pet companions are important to the seniors that have them.

So important, that oftentimes they will put their pets needs before their own. In an effort to alleviate this problem, several local agencies are teaming up for a pet-supply program called Care for Critters.

“Seniors are putting the needs of their pets first instead of their own,” Jamie Lee, Young at Heart Senior Center’s marketing and special events coordinator and Rock Springs AARP Community Advocacy Team chairman said.

Lee said when this happens, seniors will buy pet food before they buy their own food or medications. Sometimes they will not even go to the doctor when they need to because they are paying to their pet supplies.

This senior pet food, supply drive is presented by the Sweetwater County AARP Community Advocacy Team.

The kickoff for this program will take place Monday, May 4, at 6 p.m. The $2 chicken fried steak dinner will take place at the Young at Heart Senior Center, 2400 Reagan Ave.

Tickets are still available for this event and can be purchased at Golden Hour Senior Center or Young at Heart Senior Center.

During the dinner, Southwest Counseling Service employee Mike Bauer will give a presentation about the benefits of pet ownership. A member of the Red Desert Humane Society will also talk to the participants and show a couple of pets available for adoption.

Along with the dinner, the pet food drive will also start. Unopened pet food, toys and other pet supplies can be collected in bins in various locations around Sweetwater County, including the Rock Springs and Green River Chambers of Commerce, Rock Springs City Hall, Sweetwater County Library, Smith’s stores and the Green River Recreation Center.

“It doesn’t matter what is given, everything will be distributed in some form or fashion,” Lee said. “We are hoping to help out 100 to 150 seniors. The more we can reach, the better.”

Lee said those attending the dinner are encouraged to bring pet food or supplies to that event.

The seniors being assisted in this project will be filling out a form in order to assess what items they need most.

Lee said these are not the only ways residents can help out. Both the GHSC and Young at Heart Senior Center will have donation tags available. On this tag is information on what services a pet needs at the vet.

Lee said the resident can write the check to the veterinarian clinic that is going to do the vaccinations or other services. Some of the tags have items listed that the senior’s pet needs. A person can take the tag, purchase the items and give them to the senior.

“We have had so much support on this project,” Lee said. “We are hoping to do a lot of good with it.”

Sponsors include AARP, Lincare, Young at Heart Senior Center, Sweetwater County Library System, Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County, Golden Hour Senior Center, Rocky Mountain Care, Deer Trail and Western Wyoming Community College are this events sponsors.