Meet Our Volunteer and Client: Linda Scott and Brenda Thompson
Among the many volunteer opportunities at Benjamin Rose, one is with the Pet Assistance Linking Support (PALS) program. PALS is a collaborative effort across the organization and is based on applied aging studies that align with issues impacting the aging journey conducted in Research, Education and Advocacy.
For many people, including older adults, pets represent some of the most important relationships in their lives. To support older adults in keeping their pets successfully at home, Benjamin Rose pet care volunteers make a positive difference in the lives of older adults and their companion animals in various ways including:
- Cleaning up pet waste
- Exercising and playing
- Interacting and socializing with pets and their owners
- Helping to feed and water the pet
- Cleaning pet areas and bedding
After moving to northeast Ohio in 2019 and joining a group of seniors who play trivia as part of the Mind Challenge®, of which Benjamin Rose is a sponsor, Linda Scott learned about PALS.
“I thought that’s great – if someone needs help with a pet, I can do that, so I contacted Benjamin Rose and went through the simple training,” says Ms. Linda.
Shortly after completing the training, Rebekkah Whelan, the Manager of Volunteer Services at Benjamin Rose, told Ms. Linda about a client who lived just a few minutes from her who had a dog and could use some help.
That client is Brenda Thompson. She fell and broke her arm, which required surgery. That injury, combined with other existing health issues, made things challenging.
“After breaking my arm, I was scared to walk. I was afraid I’d trip and hurt myself again,” says Ms. Brenda. This meant she needed some help caring for her dog, Andrew, a Shih Tzu.
Ms. Linda and Rebekkah made an initial visit to Ms. Brenda’s home to meet her and Andrew, talk about his behavior, and the type of help needed. They agreed that a weekly walk would be helpful, and the rest is history, with everyone benefitting from the relationship. Andrew gets a walk. Ms. Linda gets to spend time with a dog and get some exercise. And Ms. Brenda gets a bit of time to herself.
“I love Linda, she’s like a therapist for me, and Andrew loves her too. When he hears the door buzzer and Linda’s voice, he gets so excited,” says Ms. Brenda.
Learn More About Volunteering for PALS
Are you looking to volunteer with pets and their owners in your community? Through the Pet Assistance Linking Support (PALS) program, volunteers can make a positive difference in the lives of older adults and their companion animals! Learn more about this exciting volunteer opportunity!
