September | 2021 | Dr. Karlyn Emile

As a full-time professional, I rarely had time to volunteer, but somehow, I created time to help at the Community Health and Empowerment Network (CHE Network). They are a CARE Center whose mission is to bring diverse voices to the Human and Animal Wellbeing industry while also advocating for a more inclusive path to pet adoption.

I’ve always been a cat lover, but I’m extremely allergic, so I avoided making the commitment. During my visit to the center, I noticed the cutest litter of four kittens that were up for adoption. I immediately fell in love with one of them and made it my new year’s resolution (2020) to bring her home. With much fear and apprehension, I did my due diligence, and then I decided to adopt her.

When she arrived at my house she was scared, but we became fast friends. She immediately adored my husband too, and the feeling was mutual. I started noticing that when I’d leave for work in the morning, she would watch me by the stairs, and I’d watch her through the pet-cam all day. She would barely leave the spot waiting for me to come back home; she was lonely. I decided to adopt her brother, Milo to keep her company. Long story short the two of them are inseparable and they own my house. They roam around and play up and down the stairs—they are happy.

As for me, I’m overjoyed and filled with love and purpose. I was lonely and depressed to the point of considering anti-depressant medication. Now, every morning when I wake up, they greet me in my bed, and my day is automatically brightened. There is never a dull moment around here with the constant tail chasing, soccer playing, flips/gymnastics and mischief. They are very grateful for me/mom, but it is me who is grateful for the love, acceptance, purpose, and joy that they bring to my life. I’m no longer sad and lonely, I’m rather amused and always occupied. My husband and I decided to adopt two more cats who really needed a loving home. So, we have expanded our feline family to four: Shasha, Milo, Sammy, and Charly. I thank God for bringing the into our lives.

Did you know that there are many health benefits of owning a pet? The CDC reported that pet ownership can increase opportunities to exercise, get outside, and socialize (CDC, 2019). Regular walking or playing with pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels. Pets can help manage loneliness and depression by giving us companionship (CDC, 20219).

Studies have also shown that the bond between people and their pets can increase fitness, lower stress, and bring happiness to their owners. Some of the health benefits of having a pet include:

Decreased blood pressure
Decreased cholesterol levels
Decreased triglyceride levels
Decreased feelings of loneliness
Increased opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities
Increased opportunities for socialization (CDC, 2019).

I cannot imagine life without my babies. We have so many years together ahead of us; I’m going to enjoy every minute of it.

In my current role as Project Director at AARP Foundation-SCSEP Program, I’ve partnered with CHE Network and other local animal welfare agencies to help our older adults keep their pets at home with them and not surrender them to shelters. They receive the following services:

Pet food and supplies
Vaccination
Pet deposit
Boarding
Emotional Pet Support Letter
Compassion Animals
Education on how to properly care for pets
Assistance with vet bills and vaccinations
Pet adoption assistance

Finally, I’m now a full-fledged volunteer with the Community Health and Empowerment Network, helping in the effort of saving the lives of more companion animals and to help enhance the value of all human/animal lives.

Please consider providing a loving home for a sweet animal, they will love you for it, and you will definitely reap some benefits. If you cannot adopt, consider volunteering or donating at local animal welfare organizationshttps://www.chewy.com/g/community-health-and-empowerment-network-inc_b67439157#wish-list

In the same manner if you need assistance with pet food, vaccination, and other routine vet visits, Community Health and Empowerment Network can help. Please register at this link: https://form.jotform.com/202178028421145

I love you Milo, Shasha, Sammy, and Charly!!!!