By Amy Reast
Meet the residents of a ‘senior home’ for elderly pets – where all abandoned old pets can find a home for life.
House With a Heart is home to 13 cats and dogs and guinea pigs who have lost their families and homes – and are unlikely to find a new home due to their age and health.
Instead they are getting a forever home at the pet sanctuary in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
Residents include Bella, 16, who is 112 years old, Toby, 15, who is 105 years old, and Marco, 18, who is 126 years old.
And like an old home for people, residents have all their wants and needs met by workers and volunteers. Pet care specialist Emily Zea, 34, said it was the “best job in the world”.
A typical day sees her changing dog diapers, cheering up grumpy cats, finding toys that short-sighted residents have lost and separating treats for toothless dogs.
She said: “We do this because we don’t want to see older animals stuck in shelters – we’d rather they spend their final days with us so they can pass in peace.
“They have so much fun here. It’s basically like an old people’s home – they all have their own personalities and habits.
“Like adults, they want to do their own thing but sometimes need a little help.
“It’s funny how everyone looks the same when they get old and grumpy – human or animal!
“But I really enjoy the job because it’s so rewarding – the grumpy ones win my heart the most!”
Emily has worked as a staff member at House With A Heart full-time since 2016 but most of the staff at the donation-funded shelter are volunteers.
Founder Sher Polvinale, 77, has been running it since 2006 – and lives at the sanctuary 24/7 to ensure the animals are always cared for.
Some residents arrived after their owners died, while others came from bad situations like the homes of hoarders.
Some are friendly while others have trouble trusting staff when they have a bad history with people.
But over time Emily says they start to come out of their shells and the staff is able to bond with them.
And eventually all their personalities and quirks start to show – even if they can be naughty or a little weird.
He said: “No matter how much you tell them not to do something, they look at you and go right back to what they were doing.
“Others still have the personality in them to be a pain in the ass, but it’s pretty hilarious actually.
“Some of them hide toys and then forget, or still chew toys even without teeth!
“Some refuse to use the bathroom outside or want to use the bathroom where they want – so we put them in doggy diapers.
“One refuses to use a bowl and will only eat off a black cutting board – we’ve been through a lot of cutting boards but we want him to do what feels comfortable.
“But we’re set up to take care of everyone and unless it’s a risk to their health, we try to let them do whatever makes them happy.”
He added that while it can be hectic and busy, the work is “very rewarding.”
Emily said: “It can be difficult because they don’t have long to live – but we prefer that they spend their last days with us in a comfortable environment with people who care about them so they can pass peacefully.
“There are some who come grumpy and angry all the time – but I want to give them happiness even if they are angry with me at the same time.
“When they really come around and start to be more lovable, it’s a great feeling – that a dog who is so mad can really enjoy life and trust people.
“It’s not easy, but it’s the best job in the world in my opinion.”
To donate to House With A Heart visit https://housewithaheart.com/support-hwah-2/
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