Kristen's Shelter Slumber Pawty

Young at Heart rescues senior dogs and cats ages 7 and up, who may be on the euthanasia list or overlooked due to their age.

Their mission is to provide senior dogs and cats with a safe haven to ensure they live with comfort, compassion, and companionship in their golden years. With your donation to this rescue, you are helping provide comfort, medical care, and whatever else they may need! 

I started volunteering with Young at Heart at their Woodstock location in 2022. I needed something to help with the stress of my nursing job. I quickly found out that being a volunteer has more purpose than helping with stress. I am giving love and attention to an animal while they wait for their forever home.

People tell me, 'I could never volunteer I would feel sad and bring them all home'. As much as I wish I could bring every cat home with me, I know that while in the care of Young at Heart they are safe, loved, and have full bellies. I never have to leave a volunteer shift questioning the care they receive.

Please kindly consider donating and help Young at Heart continue to do what they do. You never know your donation might go towards saving your new best friend!

My first cat Gypsy, whom I adopted in 2015 at age 9, and got to love her for 9 more years! Gypsy was living proof that age is just a number and I got to love her half of her life. 

The second senior cat that I adopted from Young at Heart was in December of 2022 Teeny, age 11 (now almost 15!) She was in rough shape, had been from a hoarding case in Indiana and rescued from a house fire. She had some scabs on her skin and a mouth full of infection.  Young at Heart provided the medical care that she needed and found that she needed a special diet and her scabs went away!

Teeny still faces some health challenges at no fault of her own, but is such a happy girl. She has taught me to slow down in life, and not take things for granted! 

January of 2024... I fell in love with Memphis while volunteering. How could you resist a cat who wants to be held?! He lived most of his life un neutered on the streets of Rockford. Young at Heart rescued him and gave him the medical care and patience that he needed while adjusting to a life free of testosterone. 

He is enjoying life with me as my velcro cat. There isn't much of the day where he is not near me, or wanting to be held.