Page 10 - The Jewish Voice - January '24

Page 10, The Jewish Voice

Local Happenings from page 9 Catching Up with Wendy

her artistic prowess result in stunning and intricate sculptures Derhak
that captivate the imagination.
The Schorr Gallery Eleven years after launching,
promises to immerse this non-profit founder
guests in the breathtaking discusses the past, present,
and awe-inspiring work of and future of The Pet Cottage
internationally acclaimed in this exclusive interview.
fine art conservation Why did you start The Pet
photographers Mac Stone Cottage?
and Carlton Ward Jr. Both It all started with my dear
Stone and Ward, National friend Joan. She was an
Geographic explorers, active senior in her early What are you most proud of?
dedicate their lives to seventies and at the time I’m proud of our Forever Promise. We are not an adoption
connecting people with our I was her personal trainer. agency or foster program. We are a new concept. When a pet
cultural and natural heritage We worked out three times becomes homeless due to the death, disability, or deployment
and the preservation of a week and became close of their owner, we provide a nonjudgmental and supportive
the Everglades, one of the friends. Truthfully, she was place for solutions. If a homeless pet fits our mission, we
world’s most unique and like a mother to me. When commit to taking care of it for life. This forever promise
endangered ecosystems. Mac Stone, Day’s End she received a terminal gives surviving family and friends peace of mind.
Carlton Ward Jr. has pancreatic cancer diagnosis, Our pets, which are mostly seniors, live in the home of a
played an instrumental role in establishing the Florida her biggest concern was: Forever Guardian or at our Sanctuary property. The majority
Wildlife Corridor, a crucial initiative for protecting Florida’s Who will care for my three of our Forever Guardians are senior people. The Forever
wildlife and natural habitats. In April 2023, Ward’s film, “Path senior cats? Guardian provides love and a safe place to call home. The
of the Panther,” was released on Disney+, further advancing Joan was a strong, independent woman. She had no Pet Cottage covers all veterinary expenses. Because of this
the cause of conservation and raising awareness about the spouse, no children, and no siblings. Her three furbabies, partnership, many senior people in our community are able
vital work needed to safeguard our environment. Shadow, Smokey, and Jeremy, were her entire world and to have a senior pet companion.
Mac Stone captures the narratives of Florida’s Everglades, sweet companions. Our forever promise to each pet in our care means that no
weaving tales of wildlife that invite his audience to perceive We started to explore options for rehoming them upon matter what happens to a guardian, the pet will have a loving
the swampland not as an obstacle but as a cherished her death. And we kept hitting dead ends. The thought of home. It’s a win-win-win situation that makes us do a happy
national gem. Using his captivating photographs, Stone placing these beloved family members who had brought dance!
illuminates a neglected, timeless, and crucial wilderness her so much joy and love in a shelter was out of the To date, we have made 100 Forever promises to pets and
to spark conversations, provoke thoughts, and foster a question. supported 84 Forever Guardians and 87 volunteers.
deep connection that transcends the gap between scientific So we decided that I would become the guardian of her What’s your vision for the future?
understanding and aesthetic appreciation. Stone’s compelling cats and her lawyer crafted a legal agreement. Our big goal is to secure a sanctuary property that we can
message encourages individuals to immerse themselves in As I supported Joan through the end of her life, I had call our own. We currently rent in Jupiter Farms and having
the experience: “Just do it — put your feet in the water,” he many conversations with the hospice staff about how often our own property would allow us to expand our mission and
says. “The swamp will change you, I promise.” pet owners with terminal illnesses face this reality. They services by building additional dog cottages, a cat hotel, and
Photos provided by Lighthouse ArtCenter said it was a problem without a solution. larger volunteer space. We want to be a pillar of support in the
In 2012, I founded The Pet Cottage as a solution! community and a known entity for people and pets in need.
Judea Honors Legacy Donors Today, we celebrate and protect the magical relationship We are always open to new volunteers and Forever
between people and pets by offering homestyle care to Guardians joining our pack. Contact us for more information:
Temple Judea recently honored its legacy donors. The pets who lose their humans due to death, disability, or The Pet Cottage, 561-818-5025, www.thepetcottage.org.
temple began its legacy campaign in 2013 in honor of deployment. We also provide senior people with pet
founding Rabbi Joel Levine, who is now rabbi emeritus. companions. Local Happenings on page 11
Since its inception, Temple Judea has over 70 families
who have made a gift of cash or put Temple Judea in their
will. The legacy fund ensures the long-term stability of the
temple. As the Talmud says: I did not find the world desolate
when I entered it, and as my ancestors planted for me before
I was born, so do I plant for those who will come after me.