Ron & Bleau’s Story: Caring for Seniors Means Caring for Their Pets

A Bond Put to the Test

Bleau is an 11½-year-old Australian shepherd who lives for dinnertime with her human dad, Ron. But sharing a meal hasn’t always been easy. Nine years ago, Ron fell from the roof of a restaurant while repairing a leak, shattering his neck and arm. He spent 29 days in a medically induced coma.

When Ron finally stabilized, hospital staff arranged a visit with his pup. “They had me in a wheelchair, and Bleau knew I was hurt because she just came and put her head on my lap,” he said. “Oh, she was happy to see me.”

After the accident, Ron could no longer work and struggled on a fixed income. Some months, he stretched his own groceries — or went without — so Bleau could eat. “Food stamps are only so much,” he said.

Two Bowls Filled

Needing assistance, Ron connected with the Council on Aging of Central Oregon, a Meals on Wheels provider.

Today, volunteers deliver nutritious human meals to Ron’s doorstep. Thanks to funding from PetSmart Charities, Ron’s local Meals on Wheels provider also offers pet-assistance services for Bleau, including regular deliveries of healthy kibble and treats, which helps keep this duo together.

“Anytime Meals on Wheels shows up, she expects a treat,” Ron said. “She’s spoiled that way.”

Spoiled as she might be, Bleau provides something invaluable: companionship. For many seniors like Ron, pets ease loneliness and support emotional well-being. In fact, 100% of Meals on Wheels clients who have pets say their animals bring happiness to their lives.¹ Seniors with pets also report feeling more socially connected to family and friends than those without pets. ²

For Ron, life without Bleau isn’t something he can imagine.

“That wouldn’t work,” he said. “I couldn’t handle that.”

More Than a Meal

Keeping Bleau healthy takes more than a steady supply of kibble. Through a partnership with the Humane Society of Central Oregon, she also receives free in-home veterinary care from Dr. Misty Doornek.

According to Dr. Doornek, providing care at home removes some of the biggest challenges seniors face when it comes to pet health, including cost and transportation.³ This approach helps End the Wait™ for pet care, allowing older adults to continue caring for the furry friends who mean so much to them.

“Loneliness is an epidemic, and seniors are at the heart of it,” Dr. Doornek said. “Having a companion in the home, whether human or animal, can really help alleviate that loneliness.”

That’s why Meals on Wheels partners with PetSmart Charities and other animal welfare organizations: to protect the human-animal bond that supports seniors’ physical and emotional well-being.

“We’re taking care of the animals,” Dr. Doornek said, “but we’re also having a huge impact on the individuals.”

That’s certainly been the case for Ron, who says this support allows him to keep sharing life with the dog who’s been by his side through it all.

“Bleau comes first,” he said.