CareLink launches program to assist seniors with pets

NORTH LITTLE ROCK — CareLink, a central-Arkansas nonprofit providing resources to older people and their families, announces the launch of Bone Appétit, a donor-funded program that will assist pet owners ages 60 and older in central Arkansas who are having issues getting necessary items for their pets, such as food, name tags and leashes.

On Jan. 18, CareLink began calling members of their telephone reassurance program, which includes Meals on Wheels recipients and other older adults in central Arkansas who are at a risk for isolation, before opening the service to the public. The Central Arkansas Area Agency on Aging launched the program after receiving a grant for $4,000 from Meals on Wheels of America.

Bone Appétit is a need-based program offered at no cost to central-Arkansas pet owners and will be funded completely through grants and donations. As the availability of funds increase, CareLink plans to expand offerings to assist with some vet expenses, grooming, board and other areas of pets’ needs based on requests. Qualifying individuals may apply by calling CareLink Information and Assistance at (501) 372-5300 or by emailing info@carelink.org.

“Bone Appétit is a program CareLink has wanted to offer for years, but the funding wasn’t always there to make it possible,” said Todd Price, director of community services. “Thanks to a grant from Meals on Wheels of America, we were able to finally make this dream service a reality.”

Bone Appétit is 100 percent donor funded. To make a donation to help CareLink sustain this service, call CareLink’s development team at (501) 688-7446. For more information about Bone Appétit, call CareLink’s information and assistance specialists at (501) 372-5300 or toll-free at (800) 482-6359, or visit www.carelink.org.