Page 37 - Southern Exposure - March '25

Southern Exposure, Page 37

pet Matters

The Pet Cottage Post

The Birth Of The Pet Cottage: A Tribute To Joan McCabe

The Pet Cottage is more than just a
sanctuary for pets—it is a testament
to the love and devotion of one
remarkable woman, Joan McCabe.
Joan was a beautiful soul, full of warmth
and kindness, whose love for her pets was
immeasurable. She was a client of mine
when I ran a small personal training business for women, and
over time, she became a cherished friend. Joan shared her life
with three senior cats—Shadow, Smokey, and Jeremy—who
were her family and her greatest joy. Joan McCabe Arya Elsa
When Joan was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, her first
concern was not for herself, but for her beloved companions. dedicated to providing lifelong guardianship for pets who lost Guardians. Many of the pets in our care are older and need
What would happen to them when she was gone? She searched their humans due to death, disability, or deployment. calm, loving homes. Many seniors, facing loneliness, long
for solutions, but none existed. Determined to ease her heart, I From those first rescues, The Pet Cottage has flourished. for companionship. The greatest challenge to welcoming a
made a promise: I would care for her cats as she had, ensuring Today, we provide care for over 51 dogs and eight cats. While senior pet into one’s home is often the cost of care, particularly
they were safe and loved. our initial focus was on pets whose owners had passed, we veterinary expenses. The Pet Cottage removes that burden by
Shadow, at an astonishing 21 years old, passed before Joan. quickly expanded to include those affected by disabilities such paying all veterinary expenses allowing these perfect matches
When the time came, Smokey and Jeremy, then 17, came to as dementia and Alzheimer’s. We also recognized the needs of to be made.
live with me. They thrived in my care, living to be 20. But military members, ensuring their pets had a safe place when The Pet Cottage is more than just a place—it is a promise. It
Joan’s story revealed a much larger truth—she was not the deployment or relocation made it impossible to keep them. is a tribute to Joan McCabe and to all those who love their pets
only one in this predicament. Many pet owners, facing illness One of the most beautiful aspects of this journey has been like family. None of this would be possible without the generous
or life-altering events, had no plan for their beloved animals. the realization that senior people make extraordinary Forever support of our donors and community. You are the superheroes
I witnessed this firsthand through my relationship who make this mission a reality.
with hospice during Joan’s illness. The need was There are many ways to support our work, from joining our
clear, and when Joan passed on March 11, 2012, Happy Tails monthly donation program to making one-time
I, Wendy Derhak, honored her legacy by founding contributions. Every donation helps us fulfill our forever promise
The Pet Cottage. to these beloved pets and provide pet companionship to senior
What started with Joan’s three senior cats individuals, matching pets who have lost their humans with
quickly grew. The next animals in need were seniors who long for a loving companion.
three dachshunds—Charlie Brown, Ivy, and To learn more about The Pet Cottage, visit our website at
Peanut—whose owner had passed away. The thepetcottage.org, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and
demand for a safe, loving place for pets in these check out our YouTube channel at The Pet Cottage Official. To
situations continued to grow. In April 2015, visit, please call to make an appointment at (561) 818-5025.
The Pet Cottage officially became a nonprofit, Thank you for being part of our pack!