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When pet-loving seniors face severe well being challenges, they generally should make a heartbreaking choice relating to their companion animals.
Such was the case for Coco’s aged people after hospitalization and an extended restoration forward. Companion Animal Care got here to the rescue of the seven-year-old miniature poodle, who turned a celeb when CAC supplied her for adoption.
“The response from the community was overwhelming, with a record number of applications received,” CAC founder Christine Evans stated.
Everyone, it appears, wished Coco, however after cautious screening and residential visits, it was clear that Barbara Berardelli was the right individual for Coco.
“I am a senior and I think she understands my fingers do not work as fast as before,” Berardelli stated. “She will stand perfectly still for me to snap her leash on her collar. She is a wonderful companion. Wherever I am, she is there.”
Making matches just like the one between Berardelli and Coco are the rationale Christine Evans began Companion Animal Care of Brevard in 2023. The all-volunteer nonprofit is devoted to discovering caring foster and adoptive properties for the companion pets of senior residents and disabled veterans who’re experiencing growing old and health-related challenges.
Additionally, CAC’s “Paw Pantry,” by means of a partnership with The Pet Project in Ft Lauderdale and GreaterGood.org Rescue Bank, purchases pallets of canine and cat meals at low cost to distribute to Brevard County meals pantries to assist folks struggling to feed their pets.
Brevard animal lovers have an opportunity to assist CAC and luxuriate in a high quality time out with “Rock the Paws,” the group’s signature fundraiser. The occasion, which runs from 1 to six p.m., Sunday, April 19, at American Legion Post #117, 189 Veterans Drive, Palm Bay, will function stay music from native acts, a barbecue, meals vans, two full bars, crafts, raffles and auctions for unbelievable goodies.
Oh, another factor, Elvis is predicted to make an look. He did usually sing about hound canine, you already know.
“The fundraiser plays a vital role in sustaining our mission,” Evans stated.
“Without the generosity of our community, our organization simply could not exist. Every dollar raised goes directly toward caring for the animals, including veterinary care, medications, grooming, transportation, bulk pet food purchases for food pantries and essential supplies.”
Companion Animal Care is determined by a small, devoted core group of volunteers who work persistently, together with others we name upon to assist throughout occasions as wanted.
“Our greatest need is foster volunteers so we never have to turn away someone reaching out for help,” Evans stated.
“The individuals we serve are often facing critical or life-changing situations that force them to surrender a beloved pet,” she said.
“Just last week, I picked up a beautiful calico cat from a lovely 92-year-old woman who was heartbroken because she could no longer care for her ‘Baby.’ Fortunately, we had a new foster ready to take her in right away. Baby was taken directly to the vet for vaccinations and a full check-up, then brought straight to her new foster home. It was an incredibly emotional but gratifying experience.”
The group additionally distributes pet meals to native meals pantries. The group purchases pet meals by the pallet at low cost, however the effort nonetheless incurs important prices.
“In 2025 alone, we distributed over $33,000 worth of pet food,” Evans stated.
“More than ever, individuals and families are relying on these pantries to supplement their basic needs, and having pet food available often removes the choice between feeding themselves or their beloved pets. However, we are limited in how much support we can provide.”
The actuality, provides Evans, is that there are just too many pets in want. Pet house owners going through medical or life-changing circumstances face each monetary and bodily burdens that may make caring for his or her beloved animals not possible. Providing animals like Coco with one other likelihood to supply love and companionship is nice certainly for Evans and the opposite CAC volunteers.
“Coco gives me a reason to start each day and fills me with happiness and joy,” Berardelli stated.
For extra data, go to companionanimalcarebcfl.org.
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This web page was created programmatically, to learn the article in its unique location you may go to the hyperlink bellow:
https://www.floridatoday.com/story/entertainment/2026/04/15/paws-itively-fun-rock-the-paws-to-support-companion-pets-for-seniors/89589151007/
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