Seniors for Seniors

Pet Haven created an Outreach Committee in 2007.  The goals were broad at first.  We knew we wanted to reach out to kids to educate them about dog and cat care and urge them to spread the adoption word to their families.  Our President, Marilou Chanrasmi and her therapy dog companion Ahnung began to work at The Lab in St. Paul with at-risk kids in 2009. We also wanted to reach out in the community to heighten Pet Haven’s visibility.   A committee to reach out to senior citizens boosting the benefits of adopting companion animals was sketched out.

Volunteer Bobbi Gruman, a senior herself, thought it was not only a good idea but a natural fit with some of our overlooked senior dogs and cats.  Bobbi put together a comprehensive Power Point presentation and called it Seniors for Seniors.  She then began to contact local senior citizen centers.

The response was underwhelming until an invitation came in from the Medica Skyway Senior Citizens Center in downtown Minneapolis.  We published advance news in their newsletter and presented the talk on February 23^rd.  There were a lot of questions and interest in a number of handouts for fostering, volunteering, adopting, resources for help with food, housing and on.  Based on the success of this presentation, Sue W., manager of the Edina Senior Center, will also publish advance notice in their April newsletter for our next presentation on May 18^th.

Do you know a social or church group of seniors that might be interested in having Bobbi come out and reinforce the known health and emotional benefits of owning and working with companion dogs and cats?  Contact Pet Haven Outreach by email at outreach@pethavenmn.org and leave your name, group, and a return phone number. 

Ahnung - working with urban youth!

Ahnung arrived in Pet Haven's foster program in mid-November from Red Lake Rosie's Rescue. She is currently being treated for heartworm and lymes. For the past month she has been cared for, and pampered, by our partner vet, Bloomington Veterinary Hospital.... for the remainder of her treatment I have decided she will fit in nicely in our home :) This incredibly gentle, calm spirit has a presence about her that needs to be shared. We decided she would be a perfect candidate for Pet Haven's expanding efforts in education and outreach. Pet Haven was approached by The Lab, a program of the St. Paul Public schools working with at-risk urban kids, to present to one of their classes. A week ago, Ahnung (means "star" in Ojibway) just shined in her debut outreach effort with the kids. With pride, she wore the bright orange Lab t-shirt. Prior to class beginning, Ahnung made her rounds with the kids stopping at each desk as they had a chance to say "hi" and learn the proper way to approach a dog.

The kids were extremely engaged and excited to learn more about homeless animals, Ahnung's story (how she was abandoned in northern Minnesota with a litter of 8 puppies), and how to be responsible pet guardians. We also had the opportunity to dispel some myths surrounding bully breeds. The class session was filled with lots of great questions from the kids and an eagerness to both share what they knew about dogs and to learn new information.


At the end of the class, with a big smile on their face, each kid came to the front of the class to have their picture taken with Ahnung. Ahnung will continue to volunteer her time at The Lab and her next outreach event with urban youth is scheduled for January.