Pet Friendly Transportation and the Story of Luna

Luna, a 5th generation purebred cocker spaniel, was adopted by Carole about 6 years ago from the Humane Society in Sedona. Luna was 8 years old.

Luna had been trained as a therapy dog so the first few years that Carole had Luna, she took Luna to Kachina Point. There, Luna made many friends and comforted many people.  Carole says “whenever I took Luna to the grocery store or any store, Luna would seek out the person that was hurting, whether a child or an adult.”  Carole says “Luna had a keen intuition when it came to human emotions.” Carole’s face glows as she talks about her precious Luna.

When Carole was no longer able to drive, she called on transportation assistance from Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition (VVCC). She was pleased that VVCC volunteers welcomed Luna to ride along. “Other people would complain and say ‘Oh, I don’t want dog hair in my car’ and I just did not have to worry about that with VVCC. Luna could go with me anytime. It made my life easier.” 

Luna passed away in January, 2019. VVCC volunteers took Carole to the Mingus Pet Crematory in Cottonwood a couple of times to help in the healing process.  For that, Carole is extremely appreciative. Carole is taking classes at the Arizona Humane Society because she wants to help out in some way. Perhaps she will get another dog, but right now she does not feel ready.

Karen and Scott of Cornville owned a scruffy, chubby pet by the name of Moose, a bassett hound, who provided lots of cuddles and love to this couple.  We transported Karen, Scott and Moose to the vet a few times for surgery, post-op check ups and, of course, to purchase dog food.  Unfortunately, a not long after Moose’s surgery, he passed away.  Since neither Karen or Scott are able to drive a vehicle, they were extremely thankful to our volunteers, the VVCC staff, their vet and everyone who helped during this time.  They are waiting for the right time to get another canine to help fill the void in their lives.

Here is an update on Karen and Cuddles. Karen, has moved to another city.  We helped Karen with Cuddles by paying vet bills and boarding costs while she was in the hospital.  After Cuddles passed away, she acquired a wily, wire haired mixed breed by the name of Snuggles.  We also helped Karen with costs for vet bills for this sweet little canine.  Because of Karen’s love for her canine, it determined where she had to relocate and that was to Phoenix.  She moved there only because the assisted living facility would accept pets!  Karen sent us a thank you letting us know how very much she has appreciated all of the help that she received from VVCC.

“Cuddles” is the most important thing to Karen. She has had her beloved dog for 14 years. She and her husband originally found Cuddles wandering the streets of Los Angeles, Calif. Karen, 78, a client of Verde Valley Caregivers, has had Multiple Sclerosis since age 22. Doctors recently discovered a large tumor behind her eyes that needed to be removed. Karen was refusing to have the surgery because Cuddles, 15 years old now, is in poor health.

Through the Pets Count Too! program, VVCC was able to pay a kennel to care for Cuddles so Karen could have her surgery.

In 2014, Banfield Charitable Trust (now Banfield Foundation) enabled VVCC to launch its Pets Count Too! Program. The program helps keep pets in place for homebound elderly living independently and alone. Because many of VVCC’s neighbors (clients) experience emergency situations due to age limitations and chronic health conditions, the impact on their pets can be devastating.