May 7, 2018
Marilyn Langley dreams of the day when she can finally walk her dogs, Big Boss and Serenity, to the park. But in order to achieve that dream, Ms. Langley must first undergo major surgery.
Chronic back pain makes it challenging for her to walk – so she uses a wheelchair to take her two pets to the park. She’s hopeful, though, that an upcoming operation will dramatically improve her quality of life. However, Ms. Langley will be unable to care for her dogs while she’s hospitalized and, later, while she’s at home recuperating. And she can’t afford to pay for boarding the pair.
Fortunately, our PALS (Pets Assisting the Lives of Seniors) program can help. In addition to providing free pet food and basic veterinary care for clients’ furry friends, PALS also offers pet boarding while clients are hospitalized or recuperating. Our wonderful community partners at Austin Dogtown Boarding and Daycare will board, feed, and provide lots of TLC for Big Boss and Serenity at no charge while Ms. Langley is incapacitated.
PALS Program Manager Heather Allard credits Austin Dogtown’s generosity for making the boarding service possible. “We can’t thank them enough for providing peace of mind to our clients while they face major medical issues. We have no doubt that knowing their pets are happy and safe will help the people we serve recuperate more quickly,” Allard says.
Ms. Langley agrees. “I’ve got to take care of myself so I can take care of my babies. I know (at Austin Dogtown), they will be well taken care of and treated the way I treat them. I love those dogs, without them, I’d be lost,” she says before quickly adding, “and I love PALS for what they do!”