Every year about 5,000 to 6,000 animals come through the Kings County Animal Shelter. Here, every kennel is always filled up. "Just walk through one time and you'll know they all need help," said Jackie Barberick.
Six years ago Jackie Barberick couldn't just walk through anymore so she started playing matchmaker with the over 60 crowd. "Seniors need that company at home. Sometimes they'll lose a spouse and its very good company for them or sometimes it's good exercise," said Barberick.
Barberick started the non-profit Paws and Claws which pairs seniors with Pets. The organization holds bake sales and raffles to raise money to help the elderly pay for the adoption fee and spaying or neutering. Last year the non-profit placed 200 dogs and cats in lots of different homes. All that matching landed Muffin in the arms of Irene Dillon. Irene who is just shy of 79 got Muffin as a present for her husband, 86 year-old Harold.
"She has been a Godsend to us and Harold doesn't drive anymore and if I go somewhere Muffin is on his lap," said Irene.
"Well, I don't know what we would have done without her. She doesn't bother anything, she follows you around like a poodle dog," said Harold.
Muffin love bacon and loves to chase neighborhood cats. But for every treat she gets she gives back a whole lots more. And that's the goal of the program, a perfect match which provides a furry friend a loving, forever home.
Paws and Claws is accepting donations to help place more pets in forever homes.
