Young People Volunteering with their Pets

by Neal C. Jennings

A few Scottsdale teenagers have been outstanding in their efforts to serve the community -- with the aid of their family dogs. Many young folks, moving from one project, or interest, to another, make only a token contribution to the community. But a few, like seven young volunteers with the Pets on Wheels of Scottsdale program, have carried out significant jobs, and left their mark -- the kind of mark which indicates a good future and the likelihood of continuing contributions to society.

Each has learned of the many benefits of contact with animals, especially for individuals who are socially isolated – lowering of blood pressure and cholesterol and a welcome break in a lonely day. They visited with their own pets to one, or more, of the 22 health care centers in Scottsdale, Arizona. Sharing their pets’ love has been a beginning, to good and useful lives. Congratulations to them!

The list starts with Beth Wischer -- now Beth Wand, who began, as a 10-year old, visiting the Scottsville Village Square Nursing Home 12 years ago, with her mother, Judy, and Prince, their Wheaton Terrier. Besides regular weekly visiting, Beth saved from her allowance and other earnings and contributed $100 to Pets on Wheels -- no easy accomplishment for a youngster that age. In 2007 she rejoined the organization, as an adult, with her new dog, Travis, another Wheaton. Beth learned early on about volunteering and the benefits of the human-animal bond – and knows about contributing, in many ways.

Then there is Caroline Goldenthal, (above) who began visiting Healthsouth Scottsdale Rehabilitation Hospital with her mother, Elaine, at the age of 13. They made 96 visits with their Doberman Pinscher, Aero, beginning in July 2000. After Aero died 3 years later, they began visiting with Sundance. Now, Caroline visits with Herchel, a Boston terrier-Pug mix (referred to as a Bug). By the end of 2007, Caroline and Elaine had made 225 visits with Sundance and Herchel. Sundance passed away in August 2006. Caroline’s also contributed by taking over the distribution of Pets on Wheels brochures to the various veterinary clinics, pet stores, and groomers. The mother and daughter team then served on the pet evaluation committee as well as helping at volunteer meetings and in other ways. Caroline, as a high school senior gained some school credit for her community service and made a presentation to the entire student body, on pet therapy, using the video, “Dogs, Cats, and Kids.” Helping others will always be important in Caroline’s life. Her mother now serves on the Board of Directors.

In 2002, Michelle Saar, a Fountain Hills High School student, started visits at the Shadow Mountain Health Care Center with her dog, a yellow Labrador mix named Evil Knieval. From her experiences, she made a presentation on “bonding with the elderly through Pets on Wheels.” Her talk won the statewide competition sponsored by Family Career and Community Leaders of America, at the Phoenix Civic Plaza. It took her to the national in Minneapolis that summer. She spoke about teenagers moving beyond communication barriers and how she used her dog to help communicate with the elderly.

Starting as a high school junior, Charlie Rolsky, together with his yellow Labrador, Calvin, visited at Healthsouth Scottsdale Rehabilitation Hospital 68 times from spring 2003 until spring 2005. A busy community helper, he also worked as a volunteer staff member at Wild at Heart Bird of Prey Rehabilitation Center. Yes, he earned community service credits. Then, during the summer of 2004, he fulfilled an internship at Tufts University in Massachusetts, working with veterinarians – and with small animals. This is truly sustained effort and good citizenship. Charlie’s future is a bright one. For 5 years before Caroline Goldenthal took over the brochure distribution task, Lauren Testa, with her mom, Shari, had seen to it that the Pets on Wheels brochure holders in various locations around town were always filled. This was a major source of new volunteers – and sometimes funding help. The Testa’s visitation therapy visits were at Pueblo Norte with P.D., a Pomeranian mix, until Lauren headed for college in 2004. Another great mother-daughter-dog team. We may see Lauren back, if she returns to this area. Cali & Kyle Rockowitz alternated visits to the Forum Pueblo Norte Health Care Center with their mother, Laura, and Velvet, a Labrador retriever, in 1998-2000. During that 3-year period they made 102 visits. Laura said it’s a great learning experience and a special time to bond – kids, mom, dog, and many of the elderly, happy for the attention and needing company. The kids got school credit, as well as the chance to brighten the lives of others. Congratulations to these caring youngsters. They have learned that the true value to life is helping others.