Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way

My name is Paul Manka and today my love for animals is stronger than ever, although it’s now cats that have taken up a special place in my heart and home.

Last December, after experiencing the loss of my beloved cat Petey, I found myself inside the warm and welcoming cattery at Oregon Humane Society Salem Campus.

At 76 years old, living by myself, with no local family or relatives, I wasn’t sure taking home another cat was wise. But Polly and Aiden, my remaining cats and Petey’s best pals, were both looking a bit lonely since his passing, as we all felt the void he left behind.

This was when I learned of OHS’ program, Friends Forever™.  Because I set my will to bequeath a portion of my estate to OHS, my cats were eligible to be enrolled in the program. Should the day ever come that I could no longer care for my cats, OHS would step in and find them new, loving homes. 

This unique program gave me the assurance I needed to meet and adopt Yo-Yo, a spry four-year-old cat who I knew would be a great fit for Polly and Aiden waiting for us at home.

Since Yo-Yo’s adoption, many people in my life have commented on my refreshed sense of spirit—even my doctor! My strong bond with my cats and pleasant adoption experience at OHS has inspired others in my retirement community to consider pet adoption in their senior years as well.  

Needless to say, I truly believe in the transformational power that an animal’s love can provide and am happy that I created a will and made a plan to continue my support of animals long into the future. This is a legacy I feel proud to leave behind. Because the future wellbeing of my cat companions is also guaranteed through Friends Forever™ I can continue providing a loving home for animals for as long as I am able.