Story & pictures by Kym McDowell
The first person I see when I arrive at Pam’s house isn’t Pam at all, it’s POOPS Area Coordinator and walker, Helen. She has just finished visiting Pam, Mack, Murf, and Moe for their regular walk. We exchange a quick hello as she heads out the door, and then Pam invites me in for a cup of tea and a chat.
As we settle at the dining table, I notice her furry threesome waiting patiently at the back door. Pam explains that they get excited to meet new people, so we will chat first and then invite them in.
Pam begins the introductions, “Moe is one year older than Murf. They’re seven and six years old, both King Charles Cavaliers from the same parents.” Rounding out the group is the eldest, Mack, an eight-year-old Rottweiler. “Mack has had four eye operations costing thousands of dollars, and he’s still not 100%. He needs eye drops for the rest of his life, but he’s used to it now,” Pam says.
“They all have their own characters,” Pam explains. “Murf is the naughty one, the toy-chewer and the food-stealer. But he’s hilariously funny. Moe would be a vegetarian if you let him, he just loves eating fruit and vegetables.”
When I ask how she ends up with three dogs, Pam explains, “We’ve had them since they were puppies. My children and grandchildren used to live with my husband and me, and all of the grandchildren wanted a dog. So each year we ended up getting a new one for them.” Now Pam lives alone with her “furry fellas,” after her children move out and her husband passed away – but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“After my husband passed and I moved from our farm in Beverley to the city, it was difficult,” she admits. “I wouldn’t have gotten up every day without them. I think I would’ve just stayed in bed. They’re such a part of your life, and they need you, so I get up at 6:30 when they do. When you’re on your own and your life gets turned upside down, you lose your routine. Having a routine with my dogs makes life seem more normal.”
A lot has changed in recent years for Pam. “Helen and POOPS came along and our lives changed,” she tells me. “With POOPS’ support, I feel less guilty about not being able to take them out for walks.”
Pam lets “the boys” inside, and we have a lovely meeting. They are gentle but eager to greet a new face, though it quickly becomes clear that what they want most is simply to be near Pam again.
The social side of POOPS’ support isn’t lost on Pam. “Being able to get out and walk makes their small lives really large. There are new people to meet, and they just love socialising,” she says. “It has changed their lives, and it changed mine. It expanded all of our lives.”
It took time for Pam to adjust to accepting help, but now she can’t imagine life without POOPS. “It was a big change for me, from being independent to realising I’m on my own and need help. It was hard letting people into our lives, but from the minute Helen walked in and the dogs rushed to her, I just knew it would be great.”
POOPS has become a lifeline for Pam. “Just having someone come around is peace of mind and a check-in. Helen keeps in touch, and it’s reassuring to know that someone will notice if they don’t hear from you.”
Pam is no stranger to volunteering herself, having been involved with organisations like Save the Children. “Volunteering makes the world go round,” she says. As for POOPS, its support means everything to her: “We’re just incredibly lucky that there are volunteers in the world, that’s for sure.”
If you, or someone you know needs support with their pets please head to our Get Support page and complete your details.