Enriching the lives of senior people & pets.
Our Mission
Our mission is to enrich the lives of senior citizens and senior shelter pets by providing both with love, compassion, and a sense of purpose.
TheraPaws takes in senior and at-risk dogs, who are often overlooked in shelters, and gives them an opportunity to live out their lives in happiness and comfort, while bringing joy and companionship to elderly people in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.
By connecting these two often-neglected populations, our organization is raising awareness of the human-animal bond, and showing the impact that connecting pets and people can have on our lives, our families, and our community.
Our Work & Services
Provide permanent foster or adoptive homes for senior and at-risk shelter pets.
This includes finding longterm placement for ‘fospice’
and special-needs pets from shelters and rescues, and ensuring they have the environment to thrive
Organize pet visits and events with assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.
We partner to create positive, bonding experiences for seniors and visiting family members, while reducing compassion fatigue for senior caregivers & families
Advocate for new foster/volunteer models that help connect seniors and pets.
We provide resources to help other rescue organizations, partner with local Assisted Living & Skilled Nursing homes and implement similar enrichment program.
How we’re making a difference
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“You could see the joy on everyone's faces when they had the opportunity to hold a kitten or puppy for a few minutes. These were perhaps the only minutes in the day that provided relief. Our family has maintained our friendship with TheraPaws since that time…we are extremely grateful for their dedication to helping others and her support.”
-Ida B., daughter of senior resident
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“Many of our residents live alone or in-group facilities. TheraPaws pet visits can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase social interaction. We have noticed that these pet activities can also reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. The team at Pacifica MillCreek cannot thank you enough for your dedication!
-Pacifica Millcreek Senior Care
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“Our residents enjoy the loveable animals and those sweet puppy kisses. We look forward to Thursday afternoons every week. We notice if someone is feeling down or sad, Shauna and her pets bring all the love and happiness to our community. It has been very therapeutic for our residents and staff as well.”
-Sharon G., Activities Director
Our Team
Shauna Ostler founded TheraPaws Senior Sanctuary in 2015. After her mom fell ill and was admitted to an Assisted Living facility. Shauna saw the loneliness that her mom and many senior citizens experienced. At the same time, she became aware of the number of senior and special-needs pets that often went unadopted.
Shauna saw an opportunity to take in senior and at-risk pets from her local shelter and use them to bring joy and companionship to elderly people living in Assisted Living Communities and Skilled Nursing Homes.
Over the past 9 years, Shauna and her team have helped find long-term and permanent homes for over 500 senior and special-needs shelter pets and brightened ad touched the lives of hundreds of senior citizens whose days have been made happier and healthier by her work.
