Touched By An Animal and Cats-Are-Purrsons-Too are two very unique organizations. Though two separate non-profit organizations by tax status, these organizations are really two sides of the same coin.
Touched By An Animal was started over 25 years ago, with a mission to keep companion animals with their elderly caretakers for as long as possible. The founder, Sister Marijon Binder, started Touched By An Animal because she felt there was a need to support the elderly in this very special way. Elderly pet owners often sacrifice their own health for the sake of their pets. Sister Marijon understood the bond between elderly people and their pets and she felt it was her mission to help.
Touched By An Animal assists the elderly with their pets to enable the elderly people to live with their beloved pets as long as possible. Their volunteers even perform tasks such as shopping for pet food and supplies for the elderly.
Cats-Are-Purrsons-Too was incorporated a few years later, as a counterpart to Touched By An Animal. Since then, when an elderly pet owner passes away, they can do so knowing their pets will be safe. Their cats are taken into Sister Marijon's home and cared for until adopted, or live out their lives there. Other pets are networked into species-appropriate no-kill rescues for the same happy ending.
Touched By An Animal & Cats-Are-Purrsons-Too's held their semiannual fund raiser brunch yesterday. These events are a major source of funding for the charities. Their next brunch will be in mid-November. At the event you will find delicious vegetarian food, raffles, special guest speakers, items for sale, and more.
Their mission is a difficult one, as not all cats accepted are adoptable. They are lovingly providing warm, clean shelter, food, socialization and medical care. Volunteers are difficult to find, and donations are always desperately needed to care for the 80 or so cats in the house and to provide services and supplies to the elderly of Chicago. Please consider volunteering or donating.
To volunteer, adopt or donate, call 773-728-6336. To donate by check, send to: Touched By An Animal; P.O. Box 59067; Chicago, IL 60659
Elle Musique performing at the 4/25/10 banquet
photo courtesy of Dallas Yanez
Related articles/websites:
"Furry Friends Can Aid Your Helath," Discovery Health
"Pet Therapy: Huggable Healthcare Workers" Discovery Health
Animal Assisted Therapy program from American Humane
Center for the Human-Animal Bond at Perdue University
Human Animal Bond at Colorado State University
Comments
Both of these services are awesome, and much needed!
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