New emotional support group coming to island
Lollipop, Buff, Dexter, Sebastian, Ruth, Patches, Gabby, Bishop, Roxie, Dixie and Ashley are all excited to announce they have formed a new “band” here on Pine Island. This band doesn’t write music, or play instruments, but a few members will occasionally break into song. They are all “biting at the bit,” wagging tails and are so very anxious to be given their marching orders.
Are you wondering just what kind of band this could be? Well, here’s the last hint. They all are covered with fur, have whiskers and their hearts are full of love. Basically they are beloved pets who are going to be our miracle workers, doing home visits to those in need on Pine Island and Matlacha.
Organized by the Pine Island Community Church at the suggestion of Dr. Eileen Rowan, a retired veterinarian, the furry missionaries will be “on call” to give emotional support to those individuals currently without pets, the shut-ins, the disabled, the dying, children and adults who would benefit from a lick or the chance to run their hands through warm fur.
The dogs and cats welcome new members to their ranks to help share the load. Just call the Pine Island Community Church at 239-283-9944 to add your well behaved pet.
Anyone without a pet, or without a well behaved pet, who would like to help can volunteer to be an animal handler. Sometimes the pet owners may be sick or busy and someone else may be needed to take a pet to a home.
This idea came to Dr. Rowan when she saw the transformation in some residents at a local assisted living facility for dementia and Alzheimer’s. Her dog Lollipop does weekly visitation, and when glazed over eyes and unresponsive residents suddenly “come back” due to the ministrations of warm fur, tail wags and licks, it just seemed as if miracles are still possible. So the germ of an idea grew into our current troop of furry missionaries.
If readers know of an individual who would benefit from a visit by one of our eager volunteers, please call the PICC and give us name, address, phone and pet preference. Right now, the pets are limited to dogs and cats, but we hope to expand that to birds and rabbits soon.