The pets at
Brooks-Howell are very special! What started having pets here
were requests from two of us to bring our cats with us. We were
both planning to come in May 1995. There was no "Pet
Policy" then and so the answer was "No." Much
research speaks positively of the beneficial effects of pets with
older people. We soon discovered that many residents here liked
pets. Some others do not. The first to come was Harley,
officially "Harlequin de Howell," named by Pat Riddell
in a contest. Harley just came walking into the Animal Rescue
Shelter. We surmised that he had been dropped off near by. We
were very fortunate to find him. He is a gem–a delightful
black and white long-haired cat who loves to play. He loves the
out of doors. When he first came, he shinnied up any tree he
could find! He’s very photogenic. Helen Mandelbaum, who
keeps him when Social Services is not open or he is not "on
duty," says, "Harley, my apartment mate, is a rather
large black cat with white paws and a white bib. . . . He came to
work with the Social Services staff at Brooks-Howell. He now
works two days a week in the health units. He walks to and from
work on a leash. He listens to my woes, my radio music, my
talking books, and TV. His demands are few–good dried cat
food, water from the wash basin in the bathroom, an open window
out of which he can smell fresh air, a cage on the front porch to
rest in and watch the world go by, and the flying, calling birds
to listen to. He is great as an apartment mate. I would have
difficulties living without him!"Butterscotch came next, a butterscotch-colored dog found wandering nearby, apparently lost. He and Harley have been quite a pair. True to his dog heritage, Butterscotch will not let the cat alone, but Harley has learned to deal with her! Butterscotch is older, and has slowed down since her surgery for arthritis. She finds her way into many hearts, especially those who feed her goodies and/or keep her for a while. Winnie Wrisley now keeps Butterscotch. Winnie says, "I’d feel awfully bad if Butterscotch had to leave (me). She belongs to Brooks-Howell, and I care for her. I’m a big lover of dogs and cats. I can laugh over Butterscotch as she tries to outwit me and get more treats. She’s smart. I feel good about her. She’s very companionable, and makes me walk. Pets are for people who like pets. She’s a good companion.
Oliver is the third pet adopted by Brooks-Howell. He had apparently been abused when younger, and so does not reach out to others, but he seems very grateful for Martha Strunk, who looks after him. He is such a beautiful long-haired white cat that one does not mind being shunned by him! Martha says that he is sometimes called "Sir Oliver" or "His Royal Highness." "I keep him because Trish [Fisher–formerly with Social Services] asked me . . . Oliver belongs to us all but he lets me live with him. I love him because "He’s so gorgeous! Those eyes! When he decides to go dashing through the apartment, his tail becomes a fantastic plume waving aloft! I have always loved cats, so having Oliver is a joy to me. He ‘talks’ to me, eats treats from my fingers, and calls me every morning between 6:00 and 6:30. If I delay and don’t get out of bed soon after he calls, he hops up into the bed and proceeds to curl up by my feet to wait for me. He seems to think he always needs to be in the same room where I am. All of these little things are an enjoyment like nothing else. The house seems very empty on the days when Oliver is "working" in Social Services!"
Residents who have their own pets now are John and Coy Howe, whose dog was a gift for their 50th wedding anniversary, Bettie Sue Smith, with Miss Kitty, A.J. Adams, with her small dog Robin, Helene Hill, with Amos (female cat) and Grace Estel, who brought Christy, a cat.
Bettie Sue Smith says about "Miss Kitty," "She is a good friend and companion." I like "her high intelligence that enables her to solve problems, manipulate humans, and understand English well. She keeps me entertained and challenged to stop some of her schemes to rearrange the apartment before she can carry them out!"
Grace Estel’s cat’s name is Crystal, called "Christy." "She has been part of my life since July 1989. As a kitten she was very active and kept me busy. Christy is a joy to have around–many times just the two of us for each other’s company. She is very easy to care for. She is company for me, and keeps me knowing something is dependent on me. She is someone to greet me when I come home."
Amos, with Helene, is the youngest in our community. She came in February at seven weeks old, and was immediately a "feisty fighter," which netted her the name of Amos, for the Old Testament prophet . . . That was before we learned that she is female. When I took her to the vet at seven weeks old, even the vets could not tell me that she would be female–so, I don’t feel so dumb! She has turned out to be a wonderful companion, who goes often to see Harley, at the end of our row, and enjoys playing with him. That has been good for both cats! Amos has needed some "shaping up," and Harley gives it to her when Amos gets on his nerves! What I like best about Amos is petting her velvety smooth fur when that warm body sits on my lap for some love. She enriches my life every day with her intelligent companionship. I’m so glad that she knows where she lives, for she so enjoys the woods near by.
Pets at Brooks-Howell? Oh, yes, there are many! We love ‘em all!