Page 10 - Jupiter Spotlight - November '24

Page 10, Jupiter Spotlight
The Pet Cottage Post

Senior Maltese Mix Needs check on things, she was shocked to discover Sophie still
living there. The little dog was terrified of people, severely
Rehabilitation matted, in clear pain, and had become aggressive. Her
owner had been unable to care for her for some time before
At The Pet Cottage, we often being hospitalized, leaving Sophie in a dire situation.
welcome pets in need of The Pet Cottage is fortunate to have dedicated volunteers
rehabilitation due to their owners’ like Michelle and Matt, who possess a special talent for caring
declining health, both physical for these hurting souls. They open their hearts and home to
and mental. As a person’s health pups like Sophie, providing the extra TLC and time needed
deteriorates – whether from aging before these animals can be placed with a Forever Guardian.
or illness – the care they provide It takes patience, perseverance, and an abundance of love to
to their beloved pets often suffers. build trust with a senior pet that has experienced neglect.
We frequently encounter animals that Now, with the support of our Lifelong Guardianship
have not been groomed for a long time, arriving matted and Program, we are committed to helping Sophie heal and
dirty. Others come to us underweight because their owners recover, ensuring she receives the love and care she deserves.
have forgotten to feed them, while some are significantly By matching pets with caring Forever Guardians and Your heart will grow a whole size bigger, and our tails
overweight due to overfeeding during periods of neglect. covering all their medical expenses, The Pet Cottage ensures will wag even more.
Fleas and other parasites are not uncommon as well. these cherished animals can enjoy their golden years in loving The Pet Cottage
In our society, it’s common for families to live far apart, homes. This essential service comes at a great cost, as we Wendy Derhak Founder/Executive Director
especially in South Florida, where many seniors retire and currently care for 56 pets, 47 of whom are seniors. Your 17049 Thunder Road
leave their extended families behind. Family members often generous donation can make a meaningful difference in the Jupiter, FL 33478
visit during the holidays, only to be heartbroken by the lives of Sophie and many other deserving animals. Please visit https://www.thepetcottage.org or call (561)
changes in their parents or grandparents. Difficult decisions To become an active part of our work for all pets please 818-5025 for more information.
are sometimes made during these visits, including moving consider donating today! Visitors are welcome by appointment.
loved ones into assisted living or memory care facilities.
Unfortunately, this often means they can no longer care for
their pets. Similarly, when a relative passes away, pets may
be left in the care of family members who are now faced with
making urgent decisions.
Recently, The Pet
Cottage welcomed Sophie,
a 10-year-old Maltipoo, in
terrible shape. Her owner
had suffered a stroke, was
hospitalized, and never
returned home. Family
members, overwhelmed
with grief, struggled to
manage her affairs. For
three months, Sophie was
left alone in the home,
receiving only brief visits
for feeding and walking.
When a niece flew in to Sophie

Sophie in the car Michelle Perunko and Sophie

Three Advantages

Of One-To-One

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College Planning on page 11