50 and 5 Is Back For Its Second Year
In the month of Feb., AARP Wyoming’s Casper Action Team and the Casper Humane Society will once again partner to offer no-cost adoptions for people age 50 and over who want to adopt pets five years old or older. The program, known as 50 and 5, is made possible by a contribution from AARP Wyoming.
This is the second year that AARP Wyoming and the Casper Humane Society have teamed up on the 50 and 5 event. Last year there were five dogs and one cat who were adopted during the campaign with more demand than available funds for the adoptions.
The Casper Humane Society, located at: 849 East E. Street in Casper, is a no-kill shelter and does not receive state, city, or national funds. The facility features a 10,000-square foot structure and two other pods with seven extra large indoor-outdoor kennels in each.
A background check will be required by The Humane Society for those interested in adopting pets. All animals at the Casper Humane Society that are up for adoption have been spayed or neutered and are current on all their shots.
“We are looking forward to the partnership with AARP Wyoming to offer companionship for both our clients and our older animals,” said Craig Cummings of the Casper Humane Society. “Sometimes the only thing that stands in the way of adoption is the modest adoption fees, so hopefully this partnership can help someone to overcome that.”
A 2017 study published in the Swedish publication Scientific Reports, found that dog ownership reduced the risk of death for people living alone by 33 percent and cut their risk of cardiovascular-related death by 36 percent. Their chances of a heart attack were reduced by 11 percent. The study also suggests the risk of death among dog owners in households with more than one person was reduced by 11 percent, and their risk of cardiovascular-related death decreased by 15 percent. “Not only are animals good for our health, taking care of a pet increases happiness and encourages us to get out and interact with the world around us so we don’t feel so isolated,” said AARP Wyoming’s Associate State Director Tanya Johnson.
The especially steep decline among single owners may be explained by the fact that they tend to be the ones most likely to interact with dogs and take them for a walk. Owners of all kinds also may be less stressed, which reduces the risk of a heart attack.
For more information on being involved with AARP’s Casper Action Team, contact Barb Summers at: 307-634-3808.
