These real stories from senior residents show us how meaningful their pets are to them.

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"I’m so grateful that you decided to continue providing pet food! My Siamese cat, Cia gobbles it all. I feel like she will be my life long companion. She is very affectionate and goes for walks outside. I carry her on my shoulder most of the way. She is learning to wear a harness. She gives me unconditional love. I am always happy when I see her in the morning. When I have to leave, I tell her good-bye. When I want to spoil her, I will give her a small can of tuna or sardines. Her passion is looking out the windows at the birds flying by." 

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"One month before I met [my cat], [her] leg was amputated.  The vet cared for her during a month of recovery & I met her, by a happy accident (for both of us, I imagine), soon after she was ready for adoption. I was meeting some friends for coffee on a Sunday morning in West Seattle. The cafe was right next door to a pet shop & just in front of the store was a Humane Society Van. I was running late, but could not pass up an opportunity to peek inside. And there she was: Cozmo. Ginger cat. She came right up close to me & seemed perfectly friendly. I decided to phone the Humane Society first thing Monday morning.  Later that day, I went to Bellevue to complete all of the paperwork & took her home. 

Whenever anyone comes to the apartment, she expects them to pet her, and She runs to her post by the living room window & expects them to follow her & pet and brush her. Times indeed have changed for this once timid cat.

I feel very lucky to have her as my companion, especially during this time, when in person human company is not so available.  I feel, with her, that I have purpose:  to take good care of her.  This helps me to keep going even on days that I am feeling down & don't really want to do anything. In fact, she helps me to not feel down on most days."