The Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary invites local residents to learn about its Senior Paw Project at a special Lunch and Learn on Friday, March 29.

The program will begin at noon at Newtown Senior Center, 14 Riverside Road in Sandy Hook.

This program is open to the public, free of charge. Reservations are required, however; call 203-270-4310.

The Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary created the Senior Paw Project to address the critical and growing needs of aging Americans who are unable to keep or care for their beloved dogs or cats. Often, these animals end up in shelters across the country, adding to the 7 million animals relinquished every year.

By taking away the economic barriers of owning an older dog or cat, the Senior Paw Project keeps new animals from entering shelters while creating opportunities to get animals out of the already crowded system.

Honoring the bond between caregivers and their pets, the Senior Paw Project steps in to assist senior pet owners and their animals when that relationship is in jeopardy by offering:

*Support for veterinary care, medicine, supplies, and food to senior owners and their pets, and senior animals;

*Pet food and supplies to food pantries and individuals struggling to feed their pets;

*A foster network to give senior animals temporary and loving homes until permanent placement is found;

*Adoption fee reimbursement for adopting senior pets from shelters;

*Foster forums and training workshops at senior centers; and

*Food, supplies, and transportation support to active senior citizen fosters.

The Senior Paw Project works to make the golden years just that by honoring the treasured bond between animals and humans — creating a lasting memory and deserved sense of peace for so many aging Americans.

To learn more about the Senior Paw Project, visit cvhfoundation.org or email info@cvhfoundation.org.