January 7, 2025
Jake Perry, a Meals on Wheels Central Texas neighbor, pays special attention to his diet. "I don't eat salt, sugar, or oil," he asserts. What he eats directly impacts how he feels. "I don't have no complaints," he says referring to the meals that he recieves through our home-delivered meal program. "The green beans and the rice. Oh, and once in a while, the enchiladas don't hurt," he attests.
Once a plumber by trade, Jake devoted his time off to his passion of raising cats. He's cared for over 900 cats throughout his lifetime. "I was working for a big plumbing company for thirty years. I ended up with 48 kitty cats. I used to show them to judges. They won money and prizes around the world," shares Jake.
Jake's epic cats won many accolades. Two of his cats even earned the title of longest-living cat in the Guinness World Records. Grandpa Rex Allen won the title when he lived to be 34 and Creme Puff when she lived to be 38.
"The secret is...get up at 5 o'clock. Bacon, eggs, broccoli, and coffee with cream." A breakfast Jake quite enjoyed became the elixir for longevity for his aging cats. "One day Grandpa was eating off my plate. Then, I was lucky if I could even get a piece of that bacon," he chuckles. Nourishment has been a focal point in the Perry household.
Jake reflects on his wife's passing three years ago, and the effect her last moments had on him. She was diagnosed with dementia, and this took a big toll on her health. Today, he lives at home with his remaning pet companion, Tiger Bo, a 17-year old cat with feline arthritis. Meals on Wheels Central Texas volunteers offer him great company during their meal delivery visits. Jake loves to make conversation with his visitors. Being the social butterfly that he is, he has great relationships with his neighbors who check on him regularly.
"You all have got some wonderful people that check on you. I give it a 100 percent report," Jake expresses about MOWCTX. Through our home-delivered meals program, Meals on Wheels Central Texas provides nourishment and vital social connection to neighbors like Jake.
Learn more about the variety of programs we offer, including the PALS program which supports neighbors with pets who need assistance with veterinary care and pet supplies. You can make a positive impact on the lives of older adults and people living with disabilities by getting involved with Meals on Wheels Central Texas. Make a gift, join us for a lunch-time meal delivery route, or share your message of support today.