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Woman Turns Grief Into Inspiring Mission To Help Senior Pets in Need
Mandi Jacewicz
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Four years ago, Jackie Pajan faced the heartrending loss of her beloved Golden Retriever, Ryley. This loss left a profound void in her life. Pajan fondly recalls how Ryley, her ‘soul dog’, provided her with a sense of purpose and a reason to embrace each day. “She embodied love, strength, bravery, and peace – a remarkable spirit wrapped in a big, red, beautiful coat of fur,” Jackie reflects.
For many pet owners, the passing of a cherished animal companion is an intensely sorrowful experience, often making it difficult to consider opening one’s heart to another pet. However, Jackie gradually transformed her grief into a purpose-driven mission. Drawing inspiration from the bond she shared with Ryley, she dedicated herself to aiding senior, ill, and overlooked dogs, ensuring they do not spend their twilight years in solitude.
In a video shared on February 15, Jackie shows us all the dogs she’s been able to help because her soul dog lived.
@jackiepajan Tomorrow, Feb 16, marks 4 years since she got her wings & she remains my reason for everything. My Ryleygirl♥️ #souldog #petloss #petlossgriefrainbowbridge #petlossgrief #rainbowbridgedog ♬ Love – Revember
Opening Her Heart and Home
In memory of their lost dog, Jackie and her husband Jason have adopted and fostered animals in need, primarily from Senior Hearts Rescue and Renewal. This all-volunteer organization helps place senior dogs in loving foster homes as they await their forever family in greater Pittsburgh, PA. She expresses her gratitude for the opportunities the rescue has given them and for their families, who step up to help care for their animals when they are away.
The Dog’s They Adopted In These Last Four Years
Their first rescue was a cheerful guy named Bear who, instead of spending his last days in a shelter, went for walkies, ate hotdogs, and received lots of love.
Next was Ruby, an abused senior, who was being given away on Craigslist. In her last 11 months on earth, she finally knew, loved, felt safe, and enjoyed lots of treats.
Then, there was Noah, a senior Golden Retriever dog used for breeding. He spent his last 18 months going on vacations, being spoiled, enjoying ice cream, and living inside a house.
There’s also Gregory, a once terrified 11-year-old with skin and heart issues. His second chance has given him a cardiologist, dermatologist and visits to several beaches. She reports that his hair has grown back, and he’s now spoiled and loved beyond measure.
Even Tiger, a 16-year-old dinosaur, was taken in and made the most of his limited time. All these rescues became possible because their soul dog lived.
The Dogs They Fostered in Four Years
A little 12-year-old girl named Peaches, whose human couldn’t care for her anymore, found love, safety, and happiness with this family until she could find her forever people.
There was also a 13-year-old named Autumn, whose family had passed away. She was freed from the shelter and discovered safety and happiness, eventually finding her home.
Even Mini, a senior stray cat, had a soft place to land, Jackie describes, until finding her forever family. Now they have Buddy, their most recent foster, whose human sadly passed away. He’s getting lots of love and encouragement as he prepares to find his new humans who will give him the life he deserves.
Fostering is an excellent opportunity for anyone hesitant about having a pet again, as it can help to open our broken hearts. It’s a beautiful way to save lives and honor the pets who taught us what love is.
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