PETS Keeps Seniors and Their Beloved Pets Together

For many older adults, pets are more than companions — they are family, providing comfort during difficult days, purpose through daily routines and unconditional love that helps ease loneliness and isolation.

Thanks to the support of generous donors, volunteers and community partners, Humboldt Senior Resource Center’s PETS (Paws, Ears, Tails and Smiles) Program helps seniors care for the animals that mean so much to them.

Darlene Holma and her caregiver, Cindy Johnson, know firsthand the difference the program makes. Cindy joined the PETS Program just under a year ago and encouraged Darlene to enroll in March.

Cindy’s pit bull mix, Akua, and her cat Leo, along with Darlene’s two small dogs, Cora and Bradford, receive pet food each month, annual wellness care and grooming services through the PETS program. Darlene says the services have been “life changing.”

Asked what their pets mean to them, both women immediately smiled. Darlene became emotional as she described how her dogs “give me a reason to keep going.”

Both women say the PETS Program has helped them keep their beloved companions healthy while easing the financial burden of pet care. “So many seniors can’t afford to keep their pets without having support,” Cindy said. Darlene agreed, adding, “The PETS Program is great, and everyone is so nice and friendly.”

Darlene is especially grateful for the regular grooming services. Without them, her dogs’ long coats become matted and grow over their eyes.

Stories like Cindy’s and Darlene’s are possible because of a community that believes no older adult should have to choose between meeting their own basic needs and caring for a pet.

PETS partners with Spay Humboldt, a nonprofit clinic in Myrtletown, to provide affordable veterinary care, with Myrtle Avenue Pet Center for professional grooming services and pet supplies, and with Nilson Feed for high-quality pet food. Together, these partnerships help ensure older adults have access to the resources they need to keep their pets healthy and thriving.

Behind the scenes, dedicated volunteers bag nearly 1,000 pounds of kibble pet food every month, while volunteer drivers deliver those supplies directly to the homes of seniors who are unable to travel.

For Cindy, Darlene and so many others, the PETS program provides far more than assistance — it provides peace of mind, dignity and the reassurance that they can continue sharing their lives with the companions who offer unwavering love and companionship each and every day.

Because when we help seniors care for their pets, we’re also helping seniors care for themselves.

Ashley Gouthier is the coordinator of HSRC’s PETS program.