Page 16 - Jupiter Spotlight - October '24

Page 16, Jupiter Spotlight
The Pet Cottage Post

Senior Special Needs Dogs Fiona
And Shamus Join Our Pack

The loss of a beloved owner can
be utterly devastating for a senior
dog or cat. These elderly pets
often form intensely close,
codependent bonds with their
human families, and when that
support system is suddenly taken
away, the grief they experience can
be profound.
It’s not uncommon for grieving pets to withdraw, lose
interest in eating and playing, vocalize incessantly, or even Fiona Shamus
act out in destructive ways as they struggle to cope with the
absence of their person. The sadness and sense of loss is But the Pet Cottage exists to give these vulnerable, elderly Peanut, Sugar, Angel and Tuffy
palpable in their eyes, as they search in vain for the familiar animals the love and support they so desperately require, and
sights, sounds, and affection they’ve grown accustomed to. they’ve found the perfect new guardians in Melanie, Les, and difference in the lives of Fiona, Shamus, and countless other
Thankfully, there are organizations like The Pet Cottage their senior mother Nonnie, who have been seeking to open deserving animals in need.
that specialize in caring for pets who have lost their humans, their home to a furry companion after the recent loss of their To become an active part of our work for all pets please
due to death, disability, or deployment. This local animal own three senior dogs – Coconut, Pippi and Jazmine. consider donating today!
nonprofit has become a haven for senior dogs like Fiona, a By matching rescued pets with caring Forever Guardians Your heart will grow a whole size bigger, and our tails
14-year-old Shih Tzu, and Shamus, an 11-year-old terrier and covering all their medical expenses, the Pet Cottage will wag even more.
mix, who were left grieving after the recent passing of their ensures that no matter what, these cherished animals will The Pet Cottage
devoted owner, Margaret. live out their golden years in the comfort and security of a Wendy Derhak, Founder/Executive Director
With their advanced age and special needs, rehoming loving forever home. 17049 Thunder Road, Jupiter, FL 33478
these pups proved extremely challenging for Margaret’s It’s a vital service that comes at great cost, as the View https://www.thepetcottage.org or call (561) 818-
mourning family, who even considered the heart-wrenching organization currently oversees the care of 53 pets, 47 of 5025 for more information.
option of euthanasia. whom are seniors, your generous donation can make all the Visitors are welcome by appointment.
Lighthouse ArtCenter Receives A $42k Grant To Expand

Free Art Classes For Individuals With Special Needs

Lighthouse ArtCenter (LAC) is pleased to announce a
$42,000 grant to expand free art classes for youth and adults
with special needs. Awarded through the Cultural Council of
Palm Beach County’s Arts & Cultural Education Fund, this
two-year grant spans through May 2026, allowing LAC to
increase its support for this important community initiative.
In 2009, thanks to the
generosity and vision of
Doctors Vince and Anne
Palumbo, Lighthouse
ArtCenter launched The
Olivia Palumbo Special
Needs Art Class, inspired by
their granddaughter, which
provided free monthly art and adolescents, seniors, and economically disadvantaged For more information about Lighthouse ArtCenter’s
classes to individuals with individuals. With a focus on community collaboration, special needs programs and how to get involved, visit
special needs. With the Lighthouse ArtCenter runs sixteen art outreach programs https://lighthousearts.org/our-classes/special-needs-
new funding, these classes in partnership with ten local organizations. classes/.
will now be held weekly,
opening up more consistent artistic expression and a wealth
of personal growth opportunities for our participants.
“It has always been our long-term goal to offer weekly
rather than once-a-month classes. This grant will make
this dream come true,” Anne Palumbo explained. “It is
especially meaningful because those we serve flourish most
readily with familiar environments and routine. It is also a
boon to their caregivers, who can count on a few hours off
each week, knowing their loved ones are enjoying a safe
and enriching experience.”
Research shows that weekly art classes for individuals
with special needs improve social skills, self-expression, and
self-esteem and reduce stress. They also foster community
and enhance well-being through creative expression.
Participants in the youth classes engage in various art
projects using pencils, crayons, colored pencils, markers,
watercolor paints, and tempera paints. Similarly, adult
students explore these mediums while working on projects
tailored to their interests and abilities.
“We are thrilled to expand our special needs art classes
thanks to the generous support of the Cultural Council
of Palm Beach County and the Frederick A. DeLuca
Foundation,” said Jeni Licata, executive director at
Lighthouse ArtCenter. “These classes play a crucial role
in our Art For All outreach programs, which aim to make
art accessible to underserved populations and contribute to
their education, skill development, and overall well-being.”
Lighthouse ArtCenter’s art outreach initiative, Art
For All, ensures access to art for everyone, including
veterans, individuals with special needs, at-risk children