Tuesday and Thursday Program

What's Included in Our Program

We help our Participants with taking care of their pets by:
Checking in on them and their pets on a weekly basis;
Facilitating the bond between them and their pets;
Making toys for and playing with their pets;
Identifying and securing emergency contacts in case they're admitted to the hospital;
Walking with them and their dogs or just their dogs (depending on if weather increases their risk for falling);
Administering medications to their pets (to prevent their risk of getting scratched or bitten);
Cleaning, refilling, and raising the height of their pets' food and water bowls;
Cleaning and refilling their litter boxes;
Bathing and grooming their pets, including brushing their fur and trimming their nails, etc.,
Researching health and safety guidelines for their pets; and,
Shopping and ordering food and other supplies for their pets.

Doing Arts and Crafts with Our Participants and Their Pets

We love to incorporate arts and crafts activities into our visits as it helps to strengthen the bond between our Participants and their pets by creating something meaningful, purposeful, and inspired by their pets. Some of our Participants' favorite activities include, but are by no means limited to: Printing, framing, and hanging up pictures of their pets;
Making scrapbooks of their pets; and,
Making birthday cards and other greeting cards for their pets.

Picking Up and Delivering Food for Our Participants' Pets

     We can pick up and deliver food and other supplies for our Participants' pets on a monthly and as-needed basis from Pet Food Warehouse, which has two locations within our greater Burlington community. And, we are also now collaborating with Pawsitive Pantry!

Advocating for Our Participants and Their Pets

     We believe that it is a right, not a "privilege", for older adults to keep their pets as long as they are ready, willing, and able to take care of them. ﻿
     As experts on whether older adults and other vulnerable populations are able to continue taking care of their pets, we are in the best possible position to stand up for their and their pets' right to stay together. We can explain the value, and importance, of older adults keeping their pets to others who may, for whatever reason, question its importance such as among various staff members at independent or assisted living facilities who need to occasionally, or regularly, enter their apartment.

Helping our Participants to Recover from the Loss of Their pets

We can transport our Participants and their pets — or join them for a Special Services Transportation Agency (SSTA) ride — for an appointment at Green Mountain Animal Hospital once they and their veterinarian decide that "it's time" for their pets to unfortunately be put to sleep.

One of our Coaches can continue to see our Participants for as-needed social and emotional support. For example, we can help Participants to create an arts and crafts project to remember their pets by. And, since many of our Participants experience a technology barrier, one of our Coaches can help them connect with the virtual Pet Loss Support Group hosted by Burlington Emergency and Veterinary Specialists (BEVS) on the 1st Tuesday of every month from 7 to 8 PM.﻿
And, on behalf of our Participants, we also can write and submit a short- or medium-length Pet Memorial (including their favorite photo) in the "Fur-ever Loved" section of Seven Days.