In the last week or so, we were incredibly lucky to have worked with Rebecca Charles and Zachary Goodman. They volunteered to deliver food to some of our clients. It was a big delivery, with multiple stops spread throughout the Los Angeles area, but they took to the task enthusiastically and did a great job. We always want to check in with our volunteers to see how their experience went. You can hear Zach's thoughts above, and Rebecca offered us this testimonial:

Hi, my name is Rebecca Charles, and I am a volunteer with PAWS LA.
I found PAWS LA via a professor at UCLA, who recommended a few websites to find volunteer opportunities. Being someone that loves animals, when I saw that PAWS LA helped not only people, but their pets also, it made a lot of sense for me to reach out to them.

The process of signing up for an opportunity was incredibly easy. Once you contact PAWs, you provide a few details and choose a specific activity to help with. The organization provides so many options, from delivering pet food to senior citizens and veterans, to pet grooming, to fostering, and even helping with their social media. All the coordinators are very friendly and work with you to help find which volunteer opportunities fit best for you.

I figured I’d start with delivery so I could potentially meet some of those receiving the food and their pets. The food was previously packed by other volunteers, so we matched up which pets needed which food items, then loaded it into our vehicle with the help of the coordinators. After that we contacted the clients about when they would like the food delivered. The whole process was easy and fun. It was nice to get to meet the clients and even some of the pets. Seeing those in need’s appreciation for such a small act of kindness was amazing. One client even left me a very nice voicemail thanking me for the delivery.

Volunteering made me realize that many people, especially those with service animals, may struggle to get food for their pets as they are typically heavy and expensive. This really put into perspective how important an organization like PAWS LA is. The experience of volunteering was incredibly rewarding. It allowed me to connect with people from different backgrounds and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges they face. It was heartwarming to see the joy on the clients’ faces’ as they received their food, and the happiness of their pets as they played and interacted with me.
It was also an opportunity to learn new skills, such as communication and problem-solving, as each delivery presented unique challenges.
I can’t wait to keep volunteering with PAWS LA in the future!

​Thanks again Rebecca and Zach. Volunteers are the lifeblood of PAWS/LA and we hope to work with you again in the future!
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To volunteer with us email [email protected] or check here for more info.

With Valentine’s Day rapidly approaching, there’s no better time to talk about pampering your pet! Yes, I’m sure a lot of us have mixed feelings about the holiday in general. Whether we’re grateful for a long-term relationship, still suffering the sting of heartbreak, looking for something new, or entirely indifferent to romance in general, Valentine’s Day can elicit a full spectrum of human emotions, some good and some pretty bad. But regardless of where we currently stand on the issue of human romance,  as pet owners we can surely agree that the affection we get from our pets remains priceless, and worth celebrating in all its forms. This is why at PAWS/LA, we like to use the build-up to Valentine’s Day as an excuse to indulge our beloved companion animals, thanking them for giving us love when we need it the most. Or whatever...I mean, you don’t have to get so soppy about everything...sheesh. 
 
Here are seven ways to pamper your furry (or scaled, or feathered) friends this winter: 
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Upgrade your pet's sleeping area with a cozy new bed and collection of luxurious blankets. Whether a plush pillow, soft comforter, or silky-smooth mat, providing a comfortable and warm space will make your pet feel especially cherished. Consider adding some heart-shaped pillows for that extra touch of Valentine's Day spirit. ​

Treat your pet to a spa day. This could include a gentle bath using pet-friendly products, a brushing session to keep their coat shiny and healthy, and even a gentle massage. Like their human owners, most pets enjoy this kind of attention and relaxation. For those who live close to The Grove shopping complex, Pour La Pooch handles grooming for PAWS/LA clients and we can attest to both the great work that they do, and the kind-heartedness they show those in need. ​

Show your love by keeping your pet entertained. Invest in some new interactive toys that challenge their minds and keep them physically active. Puzzle feeders, interactive balls, or toys that dispense treats can provide mental stimulation and endless entertainment. You could also spoil your pet with customized accessories. Whether it's a new collar, a tag with their name and a heart charm, or a cozy sweater for the winter season, these personalized items show that you've put thought into making them feel special.​

Capture the love by having a mini photoshoot with your pet. Create a festive backdrop with heart-shaped decorations or red and pink hues. Capture those adorable moments and create lasting memories. You can even turn the photos into a personalized Valentine's Day card or photo book.​

Sometimes, all your pet needs is your undivided attention. Spend some quality time cuddling on the couch or bed. Your pet will appreciate the warmth and comfort of your presence, making them feel truly loved. ​

Your pet's unconditional love is a gift that deserves to be celebrated every day, but that shouldn’t stop you from using Valentine's Day as the perfect excuse to go above and beyond in expressing your affection for your animal, maybe kickstarting a renewed attempt to strengthen the already powerful bonds you share. Whether it's through delicious treats, cozy accessories, or simply spending quality time together, these gestures will make your pet feel cherished and adored. And of course, there’s no need to let the love stop at your own doorstep. With so many animals on the streets or in shelters, it’s more important than ever to cherish what we have, and to spread our affection freely and without reservations. ​

Generally, cognitive health is a blanket term that refers to an individual’s ability to successfully translate brain signals into the mental and motor processes that facilitate standard adult functioning. This encompasses everything that the brain does—from regulating emotion to enabling us to move, breathe and learn new things. While the constituent components of cognitive health are not easily separated from each other, different specialists tend to focus on specific clusters of functioning. In the case of cognitive decline, and in contrast to mental health (feelings and behaviors), research is primarily interested in the objective mechanics of the mind-body link, considering processes such as speech, memory, coordination, motor functioning and the ability to count. When the breakdown of these abilities reaches a certain degree of severity, doctors will diagnose the individual with dementia.  
 
Dementia is a symptom of many disorders, the most prominent of which is Alzheimer’s, a disease that changes portions of brain tissue and weakens vital connections to other parts of the body. Although dementia and Alzheimer’s are often used interchangeably, it’s important to understand that the former is actually a symptom of the latter, and many other factors can influence the development of dementia.  ​

Patients afflicted with dementia, regardless of its source, often see a major decline in memory functioning, preventing them from recalling essential details about their lives. This is probably the dimension of the disease most prevalent in popular consciousness, frequently appearing in films, television shows and other expressions of culture. What begins as a pattern of frequently misplacing important items might soon advance to a point at which the individual no longer recognizes their loved ones, or place of residence, becoming confused and frightened by what they perceive as the presence of strange people in strange surroundings. As you’d expect, this is a harrowing experience for both the affected individual and their caregiver. In the most severe, yet tragically common, cases, the lack of basic cognitive functioning leads to premature death as the disease weakens the sufferer against other harmful health conditions and renders them unable to care for themselves. Currently, as many as 1 in 3 seniors will die from Alzheimer’s, a number greater than breast and prostate cancer combined.  

Not all forms of cognitive degeneration will appear so severe, and in many cases the general loss of functioning occurs gradually, beginning with what experts call Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD). SCD precipitates the same cluster of symptoms as full-blown dementia, but with much less severity. As such, it often precedes a more serious diagnosis, and can act as a warning system, enabling patients and doctors to identify the potential problem in advance and implement preventative measures. The infographic below lists some of the early warning signs of cognitive decline. ​

Recent studies suggest that over 6 million Americans have Alzheimer’s. Worldwide, experts fear the total number of people afflicted by some kind of dementia will rise from 57 million (measured in 2019) to 153 million (predicted for 2050). These already staggering numbers are expected to grow further as life expectancies increase, and more people age into an at-risk demographic.  
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In 2019 alone, cognitive decline cost global economies $1.3 trillion, with 50% of this attributed to the cost of caring for the afflicted. These costs are spread across society, absorbed by both private individuals caring for their families directly (or paying for an external form of care), and public health institutions and initiatives, already struggling within the budgetary limitations of their respective governments. Ultimately, patients suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia are not easily managed. They require an average of 5 hours daily care, and many need to be closely monitored to mitigate the risk of harm to themselves or others. It is clear that preventative measures are urgently needed, beginning with an understanding of the disease and those it affects. ​

There is much work to be done before we have a complete understanding of what might prevent various forms of dementia, but both existing data on possible causes, and several new studies, bode well for pet owners. Amongst other things, doctors advise those at risk to keep physically active, maintain social and community connections, and regularly stimulate their brain by trying new activities and learning new things. All these are habits that come naturally to pet owners. Walking a dog, for example, gets the individual moving, while interactions with other pet owners forge and strengthen community bonds. Even visits to the vet, while stressful, can help individuals stay connected to systems of empathy and support. 
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Pet ownership also involves the kind of basic brain activity that strengthens cognitive functioning against decline. Keeping any kind of animal necessitates some kind of schedule, requiring the owner to remain organized as they cover grooming, feeding and other pet care essentials. In these cases, being able to remember what to do and when becomes essential, working out the memory “muscle” and guarding it against atrophy. Animal ownership might even involve a degree of learning, as the individual familiarizes themselves with the particulars of their pet's species or breed. 
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Finally, as researchers see an increasing link between loneliness and dementia, the mere presence of another living creature in the home becomes an invaluable preventative measure. Many elderly pet owners describe talking to their pets, and openly sharing their troubles and concerns. Such carers report feeling a sense of sympathy and understanding from their animal, coupled with an attitude of complete non-judgement; pets provide a near perfect neutral sounding board for their owner’s troubles.  ​

For years, the above observations remained mostly speculative, beginning anecdotally with pet owners eagerly espousing the many ways in which their animals positively influence their mental and physical health. In recent years, as our overall understanding of both the human brain and dementia have evolved, researchers are beginning to examine the possible benefits of pet ownership in a more systematic way. They have become increasingly able to back up their theories with hard data, taking common claims from speculation to somewhere closer to fact. In particular, the findings of a new study correlate pet ownership with higher levels of cognitive functioning, especially in seniors who live alone. 
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Considering other factors that might have affected the participant’s cognitive health, this project “showed that long-term pet owners, on average, had a cognitive composite score that was 1.2 points higher at six years compared to non-pet owners”  (American Academy of Neurology). Specifically, the participants displayed marked improvements in verbal memory, story memory and overall executive functioning. These findings were even more pronounced in the case of black pet owners. Even in those already suffering from dementia, scientists found that interactions with a dog or other pet precipitated a lessening of existing symptoms, likely because they increased the quality of social interaction within the care home setting. In many cases, the participants initially reported the high levels of social isolation associated with an elevated risk of dementia, many of them living alone without regular interactions with friends or family. Pet ownership mitigated these risks. Additionally, a sub-section of the project looked specifically at seniors who walked their dogs, finding additional improvements in such cases.  ​

These findings have undoubtedly validated existing ideas about the positive cognitive effects of pet ownership, adding much-needed hard data to back up observations already offered by both owners and scientists. By considering the “loneliness factor,” as well as dog-walking and other specific facets of pet care (as opposed to examining only the general act), researchers have been able to focus more precisely on what works, and why.
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However, the writers of the study caution that there is still work to be done. Not all of its findings are conclusive, and while the researcher’s methodology accounted for the presence of factors supportive of cognitive health, but unrelated to pet ownership, there’s still the possibility that such influences remained present in some form. Simply put, more research is needed, both to cover possible blind spots in the existing research, and to strengthen established findings with more extensive data. ​

Anyone even vaguely familiar with our mission at PAWS/LA will understand why this dementia study is of such importance to us. Not only does it pertain to a segment of our core client base (seniors), but it speaks to a developing pattern of socio-scientific research that suggests pet ownership is objectively good for everyone. The facts extend beyond attempts to arrest cognitive decline. In a broader sense, the scientific link between the human-animal bond and individual health is going from strength to strength, with research showing that animals can help reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health, as well as decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety, especially in military veterans. ​

The science matters. It lends strength to the overall argument that people and animals are better together, making it more than just an opinion. There are those who still consider pet ownership a luxury, arguing that people struggling for resources shouldn’t have an animal; that their pet should be the first thing to go at times of hardship. To these people, pets are something we enjoy, not something that we need. This fundamentally erroneous belief underestimates the now measurable impact that service animals have on their owners’ lives. While they might not occupy the same level of necessity as food and water—elements without which a person will die--animals are far from a luxury item. For years, our clients have been describing their pets as a lifeline, a reason for living; some would (and have) even given up shelter to keep their animal in cases when the only available housing refused to allow pets. 
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Scientific studies vindicate all these points, drawing a hard line between pet ownership and an individual’s health. They add an objective, measurable dimension to subjective arguments, freeing them from a reliance on individual testimony alone. Science gives us a way to prove the potential physical and mental damage done to those separated from their pets, or denied animal companionship to begin with. This strengthens the advocacy position of organizations like PAWS/LA, and gives our friends and allies an invaluable legal argument for protective housing laws and policies; it potentially increases the scope of what can be considered a service animal, and broadens social and medical attitudes towards animal assisted therapies; it may even make the government think more carefully about the resources it's willing to allocate to pet owners in need. While there’s still a lot of work to be done, the more data we have, the harder it will be for opposing parties to argue that the human-animal bond is incidental to the overall health of society.  
For seniors, animal ownership is proving a powerful tool in the fight against dementia and other forms of cognitive decline. For the rest of us, it’s yet another reason to seriously consider the benefits of a society in which pet ownership is available to all, regardless of their physical or economic status.  ​