TVMF PALS Continues to Make a Difference for Homebound Community Members

When Juliet Nations-Powell first visited Helen McCoy to deliver Meals on Wheels through the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas, she sat down to spend some time with Ms. McCoy. One of Ms. McCoy’s dogs, Snoopy, quickly became quite enamored of her. Juliet didn’t know that she was sitting in Ms. McCoy’s daughter’s favorite chair. Ms. McCoy’s daughter had recently passed away, and Snoopy had been her dog. By sitting in her favorite chair, Juliet inadvertently found a shortcut to gain Snoopy’s friendship and trust. Snoopy and Ms. McCoy’s other dog, Abby, were the first TVMF PALS (Pets Assisting the Lives of Seniors) pets to be seen by Dr. Geoff Bratton of Holt Veterinary Clinic in Dallas. Because Snoopy had been found as a stray, his age was unknown. In addition to his annual physical and vaccines, it was recommended that Snoopy be neutered and receive a dental. Both of these additional procedures were covered through TVMF PALS. Snoopy and Abby recently went in for their annual exams, and this time, it is Abby’s turn to be spayed and receive a dental. Ms. McCoy is grateful for the care both of her pets have received from Holt Veterinary Clinic through TVMF PALS. She loves both of her dogs and wants to keep them happy and healthy for years to come.

Since October 2016, TVMF has partnered with the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas to provide veterinary care free of charge to the pets of homebound Meals on Wheels clients in the Dallas metropolitan area. Other service areas include the greater Austin area, Bryan/College Station, Houston and Abilene.

Thank you to all of the TVMF corporate and community partners who help make this program possible: Antech, IDEXX, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Carl C. Anderson Sr. and Marie Jo Anderson Foundation, Donald D. Hammill Foundation, Austin Community Foundation and the James A. “Buddy” Davidson Charitable Foundation.

If you are interested in learning more about the program, how you can volunteer your time and future plans for expansion within Texas, please contact TVMF Director Leah Ann Tibbitts at 512/452-4224 or ltibbitts@tvma.org.