Click here to view our PowerPoint Presentation Granted, times have always been tough on the poor. Now, as we begin to see how our lives will be affected in the 21st century, we see times getting still tougher on those who can least afford it. The Companion Animals Program was developed by the North Arkansas Central SPCA as a way to assist the low-income and shut in elderly person be able to keep a beloved four-legged companion. We all know that these pets can many times be the only thing an elderly person in this position may talk to for days at a time, making the pet a very important part of their lives indeed. The thought of a grandmother who's family has moved from the area and no longer visits, and who spends every day alone, many times suffering from depression, being forced to also have to give up her beloved small dog or cat to an animal shelter simply because she can no longer afford to buy the food and pay for the veterinary care it needs is heartbreaking. We have all heard the horror stories as well, of low-income elderly people who literally go without the absolute necessities of life, food, heating and cooling, needed prescriptions, etc., because of a pet they truly believe is their companion in life and a desperately needed part of their remaining time on earth. This is why they are easily accepted and referred to as "Companion Animals". The attitude towards dogs and cats as in-house family members is rapidly changing in Arkansas and more and more people are beginning to understand that these pets can and will be a true companion if given the chance to do so. With that, we are beginning to see and hear about more of these stories of low-income elderly folks who will give up the things they themselves truly need in order to keep their pet with them for as long as they possibly can. Many of them hiding the things they give up from other family members, social workers, doctors, etc., until it creates physical problems for the elderly person that simply can no longer be overlooked or ignored. For a person who has loved and cared for a pet for many years, the idea of being forced to give it up is unconceivable and can even be comparable to losing a spouse. For those of us who work at the SPCA, it is unconceivable as well. The Companion Animals Program (CAPs) is a unique program in our area designed to make sure those low-income elderly people are not forced with this decision. With the support of local area businesses, the SPCA takes on the financial responsibility for the Companion Animal of an elderly person who could otherwise be giving up their own personal needs to provide proper care for their pet. The program supplies food and veterinarian care (yearly vaccinations and emergency services) at no cost to the elderly program participant. Through monthly donations to the program, local businesses sponsor an elderly person in their area. Food for that person's Companion Animal is purchased by the SPCA and delivered each month thereby reducing, or most times completely eliminating, this financial burden from the elderly pet owner. As much as possible, the pet is kept on the diet (same type of food) as it has become accustomed to so as not to further health related problems the pet may have. Also, once a year, we know the pet is seen by a vet for a health check-up and yearly vaccinations. Emergency vet visits are also covered so the pet is not forced to go without needed medical attention because of the elderly owner's lack of finances. To see if you or someone you know may qualify for the CAPs program, please call the shelter at 870-453-7249. To Become a Monthly Sponsor of the SPCA Companion Animals Program, CLICK HERE. What would my donation to this program buy? We have elderly people in our area needing help now... Business Sponsors are needed in Boone, Marion, Baxter, and Fulton Counties. Cost to sponsor an elderly person keep their beloved pet is only $30 per month Please call the shelter office if your business would care to sponsor an elderly person in your area. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world.... Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Meade SPONSORING BUSINESSES: Boonstra Mobile Homes - Flippin The Blosom Shop - Yellville Your Company's Name should be here!