“The chance to receive unconditional love is one reason many seniors keep pets. In fact, most people consider their pets to be members of the family,” UPAWS Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator Ann Brownell said.

UPAWS Seniors for Seniors adoption program is all about senior adopters rediscovering the joys of having a cat or dog in their lives, according to Brownell. The program places senior cats and dogs, ages 8 years and older, with senior citizens who are 62 years of age or older. UPAWS will waive the adoption fee to encourage such placements of senior animals in loving homes.

“Enjoying a bond with a pet offers seniors several health benefits, from providing companionship, to helping to lower blood pressure,” Brownell said.

The shelter has been offering this program as a community benefit for many years. Brownell doesn’t have an exact number of how many animals have been adopted out through this program, but it has been very successful in finding senior animals their forever home with senior citizens.

Nelson, a 17-year-old male domestic shorthair, who was still available for adoption as of March 24. (Photo courtesy of UPAWS)

For those seniors interested in adopting a dog or cat through the program, adoption interest forms and sign up appointment forms can be found on the UPAWS website.

Adoptions are on a first-come, first-served approval. UPAWS cannot guarantee a specific animal will be available even if someone has filled out a pet adoption interest form. The benefit of filling out a pet adoption interest form is that it is helpful and saves time for the person adopting, and UPAWS, if that person decides to adopt. However, an eye can be kept on animals on the shelter’s available pet web pages. As animals are adopted, the shelters computer program automatically removes them from the website.

According to the shelter’s 2021 Holiday newsletter, the 3-3-3 rule should be kept in mind when adopting an animal. This rule reminds new adopters that there will be an adjustment period for animals who are finding themselves in a new home. The rule demonstrates the common behaviors of a newly adopted pet adjusting to their new home in the first three days, three weeks, and three months of adoption.

It usually takes pets three days to decompress; they may feel overwhelmed, scared, or unsure. They may not be comfortable being themselves quite yet, and they may not want to eat or drink. They may hide, and/or test the boundaries.

In three weeks, they may start to learn your routine. They start to settle in, feel more comfortable, realize this could be a forever home, figure out their environment, get into a routine, and start letting their guard down.

Sassy, a 14-year-old female domestic shorthair, was also available for adoption as of March 24. (Photo courtesy of UPAWS)

In three months, they may start to feel at home. They feel comfortable, begin to build trust and a true bond, gain a sense of security, and settle into a routine.

That being said, every animal is different. It may take some animals more time to bond than others. The newsletter cautions that, “every pet and situation is unique, and each pet will adapt differently. Some will follow the 3-3-3 rule to a tee; others will take six months or a whole year to feel completely comfortable. Give your pet space, and allow them to go at their own pace. Just be there for them, comfort them when needed, and create a positive, safe environment.”

UPAWS is a no-kill, non-profit shelter. They do not receive any national or local government funding. According to their website, “UPAWS relies on donations and fees to care for approximately 1,300 animals each year.”

For those who would like to support UPAWS, but cannot adopt an animal, donations can always be made. “Monetary donations are most needed. Our vet costs are very high as more and more animals come in with medical needs,” Brownell said.

The shelter also has an Amazon wish list on their website filled with many different needed items. Items include, toys, treats, pet play pen kennels, blankets, litter, cat scratchers, paper toweling, bleach, dish washer pods, and more. Volunteer and fostering opportunities are also great ways to help out the shelter.

UPAWS is located at 815 M-553, and is open noon to 4 p.m. daily. Appointments are preferred for services. Walk-ins will be accommodated and are welcome. However, if there is a person with an appointment at the same time, they will take precedent.

For questions or more information, email info@upaws.org, call 906-475-6661, or visit them on the web at www.upaws.org.

Taylor Johnson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 248. Her email address is