Cat Welfare Association
Guardian Angel




The Silver Social Club

The Silver Social Club was started in the summer of 2006 to provide a foster home for aging cats as an alternative to spending their final months in the shelter. Initially, it was conceived as a feline hospice where comfort and quality of life was the focus. However, while several cats (Apple, George, LeRoy, Lovey, and Smokey) did cross over the Rainbow Bridge at the Club, the remaining cat (Joseph) is doing well and enjoying life. Joseph prefers to take his time to get to know people but is very happy at the Club. He has a laid back personality and loves the attention of his caregiver's gentle, young grandson. At times the Silver Social Club is also home to a temporary feline visitor or two that is in need of some short term care. It appears that quality of life just may increase the length of life after all.

Update October 16, 2012 - Our sweet Joseph has passed away. Please, see the below note from his loving caregiver Judy.

I am so saddened by the passing of Joseph this morning yet so thankful we fostered him for about 7 years. He was so old and with other health issues that he was unable to respond to treatment for pancreatitis. I know his Guardian Angels need to be informed that he passed over the Rainbow Bridge.

I remember vividly the first time I met Joseph. He had just come into the shelter after being dumped outside. His coat was matted and discolored in many spots, hence his name. He had fleas and lice but somehow maintained his quiet dignity. Joseph at some point earlier in his life was shot and carried the bullet under the skin. Despite all of these circumstances, he was loving and loyal, still trusting humans in his gentle way. We had the privilege of caring for him these many years and loved him deeply. He was one of the first cats to join the Silver Social Club for older cats who remained unadoptable despite much to offer. We learned firsthand how much he did offer with his unconditional love. It seems fitting that this quiet guy who hung back from the crowd outlived all the others SSC members and had our undivided attention for the past couple of years. And I was the recipient of his undivided attention as he nursed me through recovery from surgery, sitting on my lap and quietly offering his love earlier this year.

Yes, we will miss Joseph deeply but will never forget his love, loyalty and big heart.

Thank you for caring about Joseph!