BOARDMAN — Charlie’s SENIOR W.I.S.H. Program of Animal Charity of Ohio has been selected as a new partner of Pets for the Elderly, a national nonprofit that supports pet adoption and retention programs for adults age 60 and older.

Based in the Mahoning Valley, Charlie’s SENIOR W.I.S.H. (Wellness, Independence, Shuttle and Housing) helps seniors overcome challenges that often force people to surrender beloved pets. The program provides assistance with veterinary care, pet food and supplies, transportation to veterinary and grooming appointments, and temporary foster care during medical emergencies or housing transitions.

The program was inspired by Charlie, a rescue dog whose visits with local seniors highlighted both the importance of pet companionship and the struggles many older adults face in caring for their animals as they age.

In just four months, the program has already assisted more than 20 seniors and their companion animals, and organizers say demand continues to grow.

Through the partnership, Charlie’s SENIOR W.I.S.H. Program will receive grant funding to provide veterinary care, which supports ongoing pet wellness and helps older adults continue caring for their pets. The program focuses on wellness, independence, shuttle and housing — four key areas of support designed to help older adults continue caring for their companion animals despite financial, transportation or health-related challenges. All clients for the Charlie’s Senior W.I.S.H program, go through a referral process from partnering agencies.

Its mission centers on preserving the human-animal bond while reducing unnecessary shelter surrenders and strengthening the community through compassionate care.

By joining the Pets for the Elderly network, Charlie’s SENIOR W.I.S.H. Program will help make pet companionship more affordable and accessible for older adults while continuing its work to ensure seniors and pets can remain together through life’s challenges.

Founded in 1992 by the late Avrum (Avvy) Katz, Pets for the Elderly was created to connect older adults with shelter animals in need of loving homes. Since expanding nationally in 2002, PFE has facilitated more than 123,579 adoptions.

In 2021, the organization broadened its impact by launching a veterinary care and retention grant program. Since then, PFE has helped 3,202 senior pet owners with veterinary expenses and assisted 701 seniors with retention services — bringing the organization’s total impact to more than 126,683 companion animals placed and kept in forever homes, positively affecting at least that many older adults nationwide.

Today, PFE’s network includes 57 shelters and partner organizations in 34 states, making it the only national organization solely dedicated to matching senior citizens with shelter pets while providing financial support to help ensure those bonds last.

“We are thrilled to welcome Charlie’s SENIOR W.I.S.H. Program to the Pets for the Elderly network,” said Shane Culey, executive director of Pets for the Elderly. “Their work recognizes an important reality: helping seniors and pets stay together can be just as meaningful as creating a new adoption. By providing practical support such as veterinary assistance, transportation, and temporary care during times of need, Charlie’s SENIOR W.I.S.H. is helping preserve the bonds that enrich the lives of both people and pets.”

Kristin “Kiki” Demidovich, founding member of Charlie’s Senior W.I.S.H Program of Animal Charity of Ohio, added “We are honored to be selected as a partner of the Pets for the Elderly network. This really is a dream come true to enable more wishes in the Mahoning Valley. In just a short four months, we have already assisted over 20 companion animals and their seniors. And the waiting list keeps growing. There is a true need for the often forgotten population, and we are honored and thankful to be able to serve our community. There is no better medicine than keeping your companion, best friend, at home with you in your senior years.”