With Viva Village, friends are just a phone call away: New Dog, New Love

Julie, a 70+ year-old Beaverton resident, was devoted to both of her dogs, 12-year-old Scooter and 11-year-old Chucky. When Chucky fell ill from kidney disease, Julie couldn’t get him to the emergency vet. She called Jim, a Viva Village (vivavillage.org) volunteer who had driven her to veterinary appointments in the past. A fellow dog lover, Jim got them to the appointment and brought Julie home while Chucky stayed behind for treatment. Jim repeated the drive that evening to bring Chucky home after treatment. Then, back to the vet the next day for more treatment.

After Julie received grim news, another volunteer, Nancy, drove them home, where Julie savored the time she had left with her sweet dog. When Julie called Compassionate Care of Portland to euthanize Chucky, he was at home surrounded by family. She was grateful to have the support of her Viva Village friends while she grieved. And when it was time to pick up Chucky’s ashes, Jim was right by her side again.

“I don’t know what I’d have done without people from Viva Village; they were with me through the whole painful experience,” Julie shared.

A few months later, she thought about getting Scooter a new dog buddy. She contacted the Oregon Dog Rescue, known for their willingness to match seniors with adoptable dogs, and Julie again turned to Jim for a ride to meet a potential pal. When Julie and Scooter met “Ace” it was love at first sight and Ace – redubbed Kevin – immediately became a treasured member of the family.

“I didn’t realize how much sadness I was carrying around until Kevin came into my home,” gushed Julie. “I’ll always turn to Jim for help with my dogs!” It was a good reminder that it really does take a village!

Julie is a staunch advocate for the powerful impact of animal companionship for seniors, and she’s not alone. Watch the BRG for future discussions from a large contingent of medical and mental health experts like the American Heart Association and Psychology Today about the benefits to seniors of having pets.

Story and photos by Viva Villager Deborah Reisman. See below for more information about Viva Village and our monthly programs.