Bea Goldman, LCSW, volunteers her time with PAWS/LA clients who are in danger of being denied housing because of their animal companions. Bea works with clients to evaluate their mental and physical well being due to the threat of forced separation from their pets.  Bea is dedicated to keeping clients and their animal companions together based on her experience of the vital importance of the healing bond of a companion animal.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Bea attended UCLA earning both a Bachelors and Masters degree. She received a second Masters degree from Syracuse University and spent the next 30 years as a University Professor in Ithaca, New York.

Bea’s personal life is full, she has a grown son, a wonderful daughter-in-law and a beautiful, 2 ½ year old granddaughter, who is the apple of her eye. Bea’s much-loved dog, Max, passed away in July and she is now searching for a new canine companion.  As her friend told her, “You can fill the space, but you can’t replace.”

Bea didn’t get her first dog until she was 50.  As a five year old, she was bitten by a dog and from that time on she was leery of dogs and didn’t consider having one of her own. Then, her friend got a Husky and Bea couldn’t help but fall in love. She realized the joy and benefit of a having canine friend and added a new member to her family.

In her spare time, Bea loves to cook, take long walks and read. In addition to her volunteer work with PAWS/LA, Bea works as a consultant at an Adult Day Health Care Center in Hollywood, and also has her own private therapy practice.

Bea has been with PAWS/LA as a volunteer for approximately four years, and feels privileged to be able to work with our clients who face great adversity with enormous grace.  “The work that PAWS/LA does for people who live with major stress in their lives is incredibly important, and their companion animal is often their one constant source of support and affection.”  If a fee is involved for her evaluations, Bea donates that fee to PAWS/LA.  Bea is gratified that she is able to be a part of an organization that helps so many people.

Pet’s Name

Lincoln

Guardian

Craig Blackburn

Hometown

Los Angeles

Age

2 1/2

Breed

Terrier Mix

Favorite Toys

Blue Octopus

Favorite Playtime

In the middle of the night

Why your pet is so special to you.

He makes me get out of bed no matter what. For walks and to take my meds. He is a service animal and has been more beneficial than any of my meds. He’s an Angel, but he doesn’t like cats.

But if you met him, you wouldn’t imagine this man’s life has been full of suffering and illness.  About the most friendly and upbeat person you’ll ever meet, no one could ever guess all of the struggles Tod has successfully  overcome. He believes the reason he keeps moving forward, and maintains a positive outlook, through all of life’s trials and tribulations is his cat, Ginger.

A large tabby mix, Ginger is the center of Tod’s world.  Ginger was a present from a friend, who originally thought the kitten was a girl.  And, even when it was discovered that the kitten was a boy, Ginger wouldn’t answer to any other name—so it stuck!

Ginger was a sickly kitten and Tod nursed him back to health with help from PAWS/LA to pay for the veterinary bills and, thankfully, Ginger made it out happy and healthy. This was the beginning of the lifelong bond they have created.

When Tod was diagnosed with Stage 2 lymphoma, he became angry and depressed and felt abandoned by family and friends. But through it all, Ginger never left. He has always been at Tod’s side and the unconditional love they share is unwavering. The two understand and rely on each other, “He makes me laugh,” Tod explains, “Whenever life looks hopeless, Ginger always lift my spirits no matter how upset or lonely I feel.”