50 and 5 is Back At the Humane Society

Mikkel Bigandt

In the month of Feb., AARP Wyoming’s Casper Action Team and the Casper Humane Society will 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.

“Pets provide both companionship and health benefits to citizens of all ages, but especially those age 50 and over,” said AARP Wyoming State Director Sam Shumway. “We are happy to be helping our members, and all those over 50 in Casper, find a friend that is right for them.”

The Casper Humane Society, located at: 849 East E. Street in Casper, and 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 some 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.

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 available pets, contact the Casper Humane Society at: (307) 265-5439

For more information on being involved with the Casper Community Action Team, contact Barb Summers at: 307-634-3808.