Companion Animal Care Fills Void By Assisting Pets of Elderly Owners

December 1, 2023 | By Maria Sonnenberg

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Sherlock the cat was in dire need of a savior. His elderly mom had passed away and his dad, who had entered assisted living, couldn’t take him along. Although he shows no symptoms, Sherlock is FIV-positive, which means he carries the feline immunodeficiency virus, making his outlook for adoption dim.

However, all ends well for the kitty now that Christine Evans, founder of the newly formed Companion Animal Care (CAC) of Brevard County, has stepped in to foster Sherlock. Under the new nonprofit’s wing, he will be well taken care of until a permanent home can be found.

Evans launched the all-volunteer CAC this summer to assist pets who, like Sherlock, run into trouble when their elderly humans cannot care for them, whether for a short period of time or permanently. The fledgling organization is recruiting a network of volunteers willing to provide compassionate care and support for companion pets of Brevard County seniors experiencing health-related challenges.

“We work to ensure these pets receive the care and attention they need,” Evans said.

CAC’s pet care exists to help elderly residents by caring for their pets when health or medical issues surface and family and friends cannot help.

“Seniors will often put off medical procedures because they have no one to care for their pets,” Evans said. “We want to relieve stress and anxiety.”

Along with its foster program, CAC runs a pet pantry in partnership with the Pet Project in Ft. Lauderdale and GreaterGood.org Rescue Bank. The connection enables the nonprofit to purchase deeply discounted pet food to distribute to food pantries in the county.

“Christine has been working with an Advent Lutheran Church Food Pantry, supplying us with much needed pet food for those in need,” said Vicky Walther. “All of our pet clients appreciate her long hours and hard work to help make their lives just a little bit easier to keep their much-loved pets in their home.”

In addition to Advent Lutheran, CAC has delivered pet food to the pantries of the Central Brevard Sharing Center, Eau Gallie First Baptist Church, Wholeness to Freedom Ministries and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul pantries in Satellite Beach and Palm Bay.

This year, when Evans moved to Brevard to be closer to her family, the lifelong animal lover was inspired to blend her passion for animals with the compassion for the senior community. During her research, she had discovered organizations that help senior pets, but not groups focused on the pets of seniors. She decided to change that state of affairs and thus Companion Animal Care of Brevard County was born.

Kathy Bean was one of the first to join CAC as a volunteer.

“It really struck a note in my heart, as I’m a caregiver for my husband, while still caring for our pets and feral cats,” the Palm Bay resident said. “This just felt like a great fit.”

Primarily through word of mouth and appearances at community events, Evans has amassed a group of 20-plus volunteers willing to help by fostering, or performing duties such as picking up and delivering pet food and promoting CAC at events and in the business community. More volunteers are needed, and requirements are only a love for animals and a warm heart for the elderly.

Funds to purchase pet food for the Paw Pantry are also much appreciated.

“We are looking for business sponsors and donations of pet food,” Evans added.

Pets provide companionship, love and both physical and emotional benefits for older adults, but seniors also face the problem of feeding and caring for these beloved friends during a time when their health and finances are not at their best.

“Many seniors face so many hard decisions, both financial and personal, as health issues become a problem with pets to care for,” Bean added. “I hear from and see so many in need of help with their companion pets while experiencing temporary or long-term health issues, so I know there's a great need.”