By Callum Ludwig
Forever Friends Animal Rescue (FFAR) has a new alternative way for residents to keep themselves entertained in their retirement.
FFAR is calling on older community members to consider volunteering at their Gladysdale home or fostering an animal without a home to help relieve the pressure on their volunteer team.
Founder and Director of FFAR Saskia Adams said they acknowledge how much retirees and older people still have to give in their community.
“They have so many varied skills and life experiences to draw on, and can help teach us younger ones here a great deal also,” she said.
“We’ve been horrified to hear how some other not-for-profit organisations have turned away older volunteers. At FFAR, we welcome them with open arms, you don’t have to be super fit or in great health,”
“We have dogs, cats, puppies and kittens at the Sanctuary who simply need someone to sit and cuddle them, or throw a ball, or if you’ve got carpentry skills, there are sheds you can help build, or fencing to fix, there is something for every age and skill level.”
For those that consider foster care, FFAR will remain within easy reach for any questions or concerns with settling in, with dog and cat behaviourists on the team to give guidance and advice.
Ms Adams said a lot of older people do love animals but don’t have pets themselves; often due to concerns about what will happen to their pet should they become unable to care for them, or financial issues.
“Volunteering with the animals either at the Sanctuary or as an in-home foster carer is wonderful as it means they can still enjoy the love and companionship of animals without the 15-year commitment that comes from adopting a pet,” she said.
“It’s a win-win for both them and the animals and all the research shows the huge health and psychological benefits that come from having a pet in your life,”
“The stress that welfare organisations are under is unprecedented, and rescue, shelter and pound staff are exhausted and heartbroken. Becoming a foster carer not only helps save lives but helps reduce the stress from those of us working long hours in rescue.”
In late 2023, FFAR had to launch a Critical Animal Rescue Appeal calling on supporters to help them afford to open their cage doors and cover costs like essential veterinary bills.
Ms Adams said becoming a foster carer is the best thing anyone could do for a homeless animal because it saves their life.
“Pounds and shelters are over-run right now with cats and dogs on death row, and the vast majority are happy, friendly animals who simply have had the wrong owner and need a second chance,” she said.
“A foster carer provides that lifeline, and Forever Friends, in turn, gives every support each carer needs to care for that foster pet, from paying for their medical care, providing food, bedding, toys,”
“You just need to provide a safe and secure home, love and some exercise, though if you aren’t very mobile, we can help with that too.”
Ray Hetherington and Rob and Dee Pike are three older volunteers who have given their time and expertise to FFAR in recent times.
Mr Pike said he loves helping folk, loves all animals and is a jack of all trades but a master of none.
“I volunteer at FFAR to assist with the building and farm management. I am helping Lachlan, the Sanctuary Manager, with all facets of farming, having once owned 150 acres at Wauchope, New South Wales,”
“I assist the volunteers by repairing anything that needs fixing in the kennels, cattery and other areas around the farm, volunteering on average 3 to 4 days a week and I also build things for the Sanctuary at home which saves them thousands of dollars.”
Mr Hetherington said he has been retired about two years now and believes you need to keep busy so this is what he chose to do.
“I’ve always had rescue dogs, and the best thing about volunteering is that it’s better for my physical and mental health, instead of sitting at home watching telly all day and getting bored,” he said.
“I’m an ex-tradesman/carpenter so I do a lot of odd jobs at the Sanctuary.”
Ms Pike said she volunteers because she needs the mental stimulation and loves animals.
“It’s wonderful helping animals in need find a better future and it is far better to be out in the fresh air and associating with other people than at home sitting in a lounge chair,” she said.
“There is a lovely group of people here with varied personalities to associate with and they are all here for the same reason: to help animals.”
