SENIORS for SENIORS

Studies show that seniors who have pets live longer, more fulfilling lives. Seniors with pets are also less likely to suffer early onset of dementia, less likely to have depression or anxiety, and are not as lonely. Pets can greatly improve overall senior health. (Senior Safety Advice, July 2023)

But many seniors are on fixed incomes and can’t afford a pet or are concerned about what happens if they get a pet and then become unable to care for them.

Josie’s Misfit Ranch is bridging these concerns with our Seniors for Seniors program, which pairs senior dogs and cats with senior humans.

Qualifying seniors ages 55 and older become permanent fosters to senior animals at JMR, meaning the animals won’t be adopted to anyone else. JMR retains ownership in case the senior is no longer able to care for them and they need to go back to the rescue to be paired with another senior.

JMR pays for all expenses for the senior animal, including medical bills, food and supplies - making it affordable for seniors to have a pet.

Seniors must be allowed to have pets in their home, be healthy enough to care for a pet and have access to transportation to take animals to vet appointments. We only take seniors from Kittitas and Yakima counties because as part of the program we also check up on the senior periodically to make sure both are doing well. Because of this, we need the seniors to be close to our resources.

This program is funded by our sponsor Small Pet Select, as well as through the generous donations of our supporters. You can donate towards the program by clicking on the “donate” button at the top of the page.

Our Current Seniors Needing Placement

  • KANE

    Kane is an attention whore who loves to be the center of the universe. This senior dude is on thyroid medication but otherwise is healthy and just wants love. He is a typical chihuahua in the fact he thinks he's the boss, and still has energy to be fun and playful. He does - like most small dogs - leak at times, but it can be managed with belly bands, which we would provide.

  • FRANKLIN

    Franklin's owners had some major changes in their lives and in a heartbreaking decision had to give him up. We were glad to reassure them that he and his sister, Princess, would be well taken care of in one of our amazing foster homes until we can find them a forever home together. Franklin is a black Yorkie/terrier and is between 9-11 years old. He is a very sweet dog and we are dedicated to helping him and his sister through this transition. He is good with other dogs, cats, and kids! He is ready to find his forever home, preferably with his sister, Princess, who will be ready for adoption soon.

Some of Our Senior Matches

  • The Parkers and Saffron

    Dennis and his wife Mary were the first seniors in our Seniors for Seniors program more than a year ago, taking in sweet Ella. Sadly, Ella passed recently from a stroke. We are so grateful she died knowing what a real home and family was. But her absence was painful for Dennis and Mary. Enter Saffron (pictured) another senior dog looking for a forever home. She proved to be just the medicine they needed for a broken heart, and they were the same for her.

  • Maura and Ernie

    Another amazing seniors for seniors moment as Maura recently took in Ernie as her permanent foster. Ernie came from a neglect situation and was surrendered to the shelter, where we stepped in to help. Despite his past he is a very sweet boy and just needed to find someone who could give him the TLC he needed. Maura was looking for a companion and someone to spoil. It was a perfect match, and both are so happy together!

  • Pam and Bert

    Humberto aka Bert found his perfect person in Pam, a resident of Ellensburg. Pam recently lost her dog and needed another companion. When she met Bert it was love at first sight! Pam will be Bert’s “permanent” foster meaning she will take care of Bert as long as she’s able, and JMR will continue to pay for his care. Pam said Bert couldn't be more loved, and has given her so much love in return!

  • The Entwistles, Max & Toni

    John and Gail Entwistle welcomed into their home Toni and Max - two senior cats who found themselves homeless after their previous owner passed away. Gail told us she’s had cats all her life but didn’t get another one because she was concerned about what would happen to them if something happened to her. Our program allows her to give these cats an amazing home and get her cat fix while also giving her the peace of mind that we will take care of them if she can’t.