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A new program from Wags for Hope will pair adoptable dogs and cats with older residents who live alone and are in need of companionship.

Wagging P.A.L.S. (Pets Adopting Loving Seniors) is the newest initiative from Wags for Hope, a Frederick County nonprofit that uses volunteers and their pets to bring joy and comfort to nursing homes, assisted living and hospice.

Under this new program, volunteers from Wags for Hope will help match seniors with a pet from the Frederick County Animal Control shelter. Once a senior finds a dog or cat that is compatible with his lifestyle, he will pay half the adoption fee and follow the shelter's regular adoption procedures.

Wagging P.A.L.S. will provide financial assistance to seniors who have difficulty paying for food and other care for the animal. But work still remains before Wagging P.A.L.S. can make its first match.

Gabe O'Neill, the founder of Wags for Hope, said the program will be ready to launch in early 2009. Until then, the nonprofit is hoping to make progress on its fundraising goal of $4,000, by hosting "Charlie's Toast of the Town," a benefit dinner and silent auction on Nov. 7.

Frederick restaurants such as Olive Garden, Greene Turtle and Outback Steakhouse have donated food to the event and local musicians will provide entertainment. Nearly 60 people have signed up so far, O'Neill said, though the nonprofit is hoping more than 100 will attend.

"This is the most ambitious thing that Wags for Hope has ever done," O'Neill said of Wagging P.A.L.S. The group has a goal of pairing 10 seniors with animals in its first year.

O'Neill said he discovered the idea for Wagging P.A.L.S. through a newspaper article focusing on a similar program in Colorado, which partners with a local Humane Society chapter.

He noted that pairing the elderly with animals will not only give the seniors much-needed companionship, but also a reason and purpose.

"Some of these folks are living alone … and are extremely lonely," he said. "Having a pet or an animal helps ease the pain. We see that in our regular nursing home visits."

Linda Shea, humane educator at the animal shelter, said a significant number of seniors already adopts animals at the shelter.

About 70 animals, including rabbits, birds, small and large dogs and cats are available for adoption at the shelter, Shea added.

Through the Wagging P.A.L.S. program, seniors will be required to fill out an application and sit for an interview with staff. The shelter will then spay or neuter the chosen animal and update its immunizations.

Shea said Wagging P.A.L.S. will provide seniors with one service that the shelter can't provide for every person that adopts an animal—follow-up care and assistance.

In addition, seniors will designate an emergency contact if they are unable to care for the animal in the future, O'Neill said.

"The whole idea is to make this as easy as possible for the senior," he said.