Uplifting Photo Shoot at Senior Living Center with Shelter Dogs

Introduction to Joyful Moments

A photography session at a senior living center is highlighting the joy that shelter dogs can bring to our lives. During the May 22 event, volunteers drove shelter dogs from Humane Society of Tampa Bay to Brookdale Bayshore, a senior living facility in Tampa, Florida. There, residents posed with pups for portraits by Adam Goldberg, co-owner of AGoldPhoto Pet Photography.

The Photography Session

Shelter dog Betty Boop poses for a portrait with a resident at Brookdale Bayshore. The common area where the dogs waited for their photo sessions turned into a festive affair. Any interested residents and staff could come meet and pet the dogs, who drew a crowd. In fact, the pets proved so popular that two of them — Lucie and Zoe — were adopted by employees that very day. Elizabeth Buchinski, director of resident engagement at Brookdale Bayshore, said the adopters – the dining services manager and nurse manager – each started the day without intending to adopt a pet.

The Benefits Of Welcoming Shelter Dogs And Pets

Brookdale Bayshore is a pet-friendly facility where the staff can even help residents care for their animals, from dogs and cats to birds, according to Buchinski. Being able to move into the senior living facility with a beloved pet helps make the transition easier, and pets can give residents a “greater purpose” in having to get up each day to care for their animals, she says. Pets are invariably popular with other residents, and the animals themselves benefit from constant attention since their guardians are retired.

Staff and Resident Interactions with Pets

The staff enjoys interacting with residents’ pets; many dogs roll onto their backs to request a belly rub from Buchinski, who they know keeps dog treats nearby. “For me, seeing the dogs is a highlight,” she said. “I love to see the dogs that live here.” A resident dog named Sophie also posed for a portrait with her owners since they recently adopted her from Humane Society of Tampa Bay, which always offers a 50% discount on adoption fees to adopters who are 65 and older.

Outcome and Future Plans

During the shelter dog meet-and-greet in the common area and portrait sessions, many residents shared stories with Goldberg about past and present pets, which he found delightful. Goldberg feels the event was a win-win for the residents and shelter dogs, who benefitted from getting the chance to leave the shelter to ride in a car and socialize with a variety of people away from the noise of a shelter environment. He hopes his photos help challenge any preconceived notions people may have about senior living facilities and shelter dogs.

Conclusion

The photography session at Brookdale Bayshore not only brought joy to the residents but also helped in adopting two shelter dogs. The event showcased the importance of welcoming shelter dogs and pets into our lives. As Goldberg said, “My whole mission is to show people that shelter animals are just like every other dogs – just someone couldn’t take care of them anymore. They’re not broken.” Buchinski agrees that the overall goal of the project was to get the word out about adoptable dogs at the shelter. But she’s also glad the experience could help enrich the lives of residents at Brookdale Bayshore.

FAQs

• Q: What was the purpose of the photography session at Brookdale Bayshore?
  A: The purpose was to highlight the joy that shelter dogs can bring to our lives and to promote the adoption of shelter dogs.
• Q: How many shelter dogs were adopted during the event?
  A: Two shelter dogs, Lucie and Zoe, were adopted by employees during the event.
• Q: Does Brookdale Bayshore allow residents to bring their pets?
  A: Yes, Brookdale Bayshore is a pet-friendly facility that allows residents to bring their pets and even helps with pet care.
• Q: What discount does Humane Society of Tampa Bay offer to adopters who are 65 and older?
  A: Humane Society of Tampa Bay offers a 50% discount on adoption fees to adopters who are 65 and older.