Page 22 - Talk of Tequesta - October '24

Page 22, The Talk Of Tequesta

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The Pet Cottage Post

Senior Special Needs Dogs Fiona And Shamus Join Our Pack

The loss of a beloved owner can be By matching rescued pets with caring Forever To become an active part of our work for all pets please
utterly devastating for a senior Guardians and covering all their medical expenses, the consider donating today!
dog or cat. These elderly Pet Cottage ensures that no matter what, these cherished Your heart will grow a whole size bigger, and our tails
pets often form intensely animals will live out their golden years in the comfort and will wag even more.
close, codependent bonds security of a loving forever home. The Pet Cottage
with their human families, and It’s a vital service that comes at great cost, as the Wendy Derhak, Founder/Executive Director
when that support system is organization currently oversees the care of 53 pets, 47 of 17049 Thunder Road, Jupiter, FL 33478
suddenly taken away, the grief whom are seniors, your generous donation can make all View https://www.thepetcottage.org or call (561)
they experience can be profound. the difference in the lives of Fiona, Shamus, and countless 818-5025 for more information.
It’s not uncommon for grieving pets to withdraw, lose other deserving animals in need. Visitors are welcome by appointment.
interest in eating and playing, vocalize incessantly, or
even act out in destructive ways as they struggle to cope
with the absence of their person. The sadness and sense
of loss is palpable in their eyes, as they search in vain for
the familiar sights, sounds, and affection they’ve grown
accustomed to.
Thankfully, there are organizations like The Pet Cottage
that specialize in caring for pets who have lost their
humans, due to death, disability, or deployment. This local
animal nonprofit has become a haven for senior dogs like
Fiona, a 14-year-old Shih Tzu, and Shamus, an 11-year-old
terrier mix, who were left grieving after the recent passing
of their devoted owner, Margaret.

Fiona Shamus

With their advanced age and special needs, rehoming
these pups proved extremely challenging for Margaret’s
mourning family, who even considered the heart-
wrenching option of euthanasia.
But the Pet Cottage exists to give these vulnerable, elderly
animals the love and support they so desperately require, and
they’ve found the perfect new guardians in Melanie, Les, and
their senior mother Nonnie, who have been seeking to open
their home to a furry companion after the recent loss of their
own three senior dogs – Coconut, Pippi and Jazmine. ADVANCED

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Peanut, Sugar, Angel and Tuffy