It all started with the first visit to the local senior residence in May of 2018….

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When I was in 4th grade a guest speaker had come to my school to speak about the positive impact animal shelters have not just on the animals, but also on the well being of the community who adopts them. As an owner of two wonderful dogs myself, and knowing first hand the benefits of pet ownership, this deeply touched my heart and inspired me to take further action and expand this positive influence on my local community. One idea I implemented was to bake animal cookies at home which I sold at the local dog park and beach near my home. I then donated all the money I had raised to PAWS; my local animal shelter. As a sign of appreciation, they gave me a tour of their facility and the logistics of their operation. Seeing these animals being rescued, rehabilitated, and ultimately placed in loving homes only solidified my desire to have a greater reach. 

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I wanted to help more than just animals. I wanted to take a holistic approach and provide the mutual benefits of pet ownership to the owners as well.  While searching for an effective plan to make this happen, I came across something very saddening. I learned that many senior citizens in our communities, most in low or fixed income positions, were having to give up their pets due to the financial responsibility of feeding and caring for them.  For many, their pets were their only friends, visitors, and family. I found that these companions provided tremendous comfort in their lives and offered a solution to the loneliness that is so prevalent among many of our grandparents. From this understanding, I found a challenge to which I could channel my efforts and my love of animals. 

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After contacting the local senior residence for permission, I gathered information about residents' pets and started fundraising on the web through GoFundMe and in person to my friends and family. I used the money I raised to purchase the exact type of food for each pet owner. To add a little more personal touch, I included hand written cards to each of them. When that day finally arrived, the day I was able to deliver the food for the senior residents, they welcomed me with a communal gathering. As I passed out the food to the residents, they each told me heartwarming stories about their companions, their habits, their likes, and dislikes. The way their pets were personified made me realize these were not just animals but almost partners in their lives. I knew the food I delivered would be appreciated, but in that moment, I realized it was more than just food for animals. I was contributing to the residents’ ability to care for the companions they loved. I also found out how meaningful the personalized notes were to the residents, it felt as if that meant more than the food, which it did. Especially during this pandemic, in-person interaction is challenging. These personalized notes (which you can write) offer a glimpse of personal contact while still staying safe. The residents were so grateful over the notes, and it was heartwarming for me to see the smiles on their faces. This visit firmly reinforced that I had made the right decision.  Pets are important to many senior citizens, and to some, they are the only companions they have. This is why I founded ComPETnionship.