At PAWS, we are often fortunate to meet people who leave an impression upon our hearts. In 2008, we received a referral call regarding an ailing senior citizen with severe dementia, kidney failure, mobility impairment, and signs of self-neglect. The client’s name was William and the call came from his social worker at On Lok Lifeways, a comprehensive health care program that provides full medical care and support services to seniors. William’s social workers realized that he and his cat, Pepper, would benefit greatly from the services that PAWS provides. 
When Tara, PAWS Case Manager, first visited William, he was frail and confused, but Pepper’s attentive nature was priceless. William spoke of how Pepper slept beside him every night and it was clear when he spoke of her that she was an integral part of his overall health and well-being.
Earlier this year, William reached a point where he needed to be moved into a higher level of care. On Lok’s social worker contacted PAWS for assistance in placing Pepper in a new home. Happily, right before Pepper was to be placed, we received word that the convalescent hospital was considering allowing Pepper to continue living with our client! Pepper was accepted into the hospital after a meet-and-greet with John Chalich, Hayes Convalescent Hospital Administrator.
William unfortunately passed away after a few months of moving into the hospital, but due to the generosity of the Hayes Convalescent Hospital and their understanding of the human-animal bond, William was able to spend his last days with Pepper.
| Providing comfort to a resident of Hayes Convalescent Hospital.
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The teamwork of everyone involved, from social service/medical providers to the PAWS volunteers who assisted William with food delivery and cat care, made this senior’s end stage of life more positive because he was able to share it with his animal companion. We're glad to announce that Pepper will continue living at Hayes Convalescent Hospital and has already become a regular visitor to other residents where her unconditional love brings comfort and hope.
-- Tara Whitefield, PAWS Case Manager
| Pepper enjoying a tussle with Kirby, the original hospital resident cat.
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