Sun City Resident Debby Smith volunteers at Young at Heart Senior Pet Adoptions. Young at Heart is a rescue and safe haven for senior dogs and cats in Woodstock, Illinois.
“I’ve been there 8 months,” Smith said. “I’ve worked at animal shelters since I was 20.”
According to Smith, volunteering is a true passion.
“I’ve always been motivated to support many organizations and volunteer my time it brings me so much joy. Animals can’t help themselves; we are their voices,” she said.
Debby’s efforts were recognized when she was named Volunteer of the Month on May 10 this year.
Smith said, “I was so surprised. I love volunteering and this recognition meant a lot.”
Young at Heart’s website states, “In a perfect world, every senior pet would spend its twilight years surrounded by a loving family. But sadly, senior pets that end up in shelters often do not get that chance. Young at Heart Senior Pet Adoptions™ believes that Love Has No Age Limit™. Young at Heart’s mission is to provide senior dogs and cats with a safe haven to ensure they live with comfort, compassion, and companionship in their golden years. We save the lives of homeless senior dogs and cats from situations where their age puts them first in line to be euthanized. We find loving homes for adoptable senior pets and offer a peaceful sanctuary life for those that are less adoptable.”
For anyone interested, becoming a volunteer is rewarding and easy to do.
Sandy Bacino, the Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator, said, “We welcome new volunteers. We host monthly volunteer orientations and are fortunate to have each meeting filled with folks eager to learn more about how they can help our senior animals.”
How did the center start?
Bacino said, “Our founder and director Dawn Kemper, started Young at Heart in 2005 with like-minded people eager to work together to save older pets.”
In September of 2019, Young at Heart’s adoption center, Smokey’s Haven, became a reality and the first of its kind in the Chicago area. The facility is a state-of-the-art adoption center. The facility is designed to look and feel like a home. Couches, chairs, a family room with a TV, a backyard, and trails for walking. All pets are vaccinated, microchipped, and given a comprehensive geriatric blood panel, along with any other medical care that is needed.
The facility is funded by donations and one of their biggest fundraisers of the year. This year, the 2023 SILVER PAWS GALA is on September 9 at 6 p.m. at Pinstripes in Barrington.
Smith said, “There is live music, an open bar, auctions, and of course the guests of honors, our senior pets. I am hoping the Sun City residents come for a wonderful night out, reserve a table, and support of good cause. The tickets are at an early bird special now so get five couples together and reserve a table.”
Tickets are available online at www.adoptaseniorpet.com/events/special-events/silverpaws
The senior dogs’ and cats’ rooms are cageless and provide all the necessary elements of comfort. The cat’s lounge is the perfect place to play, climb, scratch, or snooze.
Smith said, “You can come and meet our senior kitties in our Catio Café. You can reserve an exclusive hour on the adoption center’s open-air catio for a $35 donation for you and up to two guests. The 60-minute visit with our senior kitties also includes some cool beverages.”
The 2023 Catio Café season will last until October 13 (weather permitting). Appointments are available on Thursdays, Fridays, & every other Saturday.
Young at Heart is located at 4301 S Il Route 47 in Woodstock, IL. For more information, to find out more about volunteering, or make a donation, you can reach them at 815-333-4001 or visit their website, www.adoptaseniorpet.com/
