Honey came into Geni’s life in a way she never expected. It had been 8 years since her last cat passed, and she didn’t think she could love again.
One day at the shelter, she noticed Honey right away – fluffy, beige and white, with the biggest tail she had ever seen. Staff warned her, “don’t try to pet that cat, he’s not friendly,” but something about him drew her in. She picked up a wand toy, gently played, and slowly, Honey let his guard down.
“With Honey, it was love at first sight. He was in a cage for over a year because he had been abused, so he was not friendly to others, but he was friendly to me. It took time, but he trusted me. He’s my good little boy. My best friend.”
For many older adults who live alone, a pet becomes a daily source of companionship and connection, and that was true for Geni and Honey.
Because of that bond, Geni sensed right away when something seemed wrong.
During one of their usual walks, Geni noticed her apartment complex had planted day lilies near her door. In the dark, Honey chewed on part of the plant before Geni realized what was happening. Within 20 minutes, he began showing signs of distress. When they returned home, the symptoms kept progressing.
Geni knew he needed emergency care, and fast. But the emergency vet required payment upfront. “I wasn’t prepared for a sudden $2,000 bill. My credit card was maxed. I only live on social security. I didn’t have any other means to pay.”
It wasn’t until the vet recommended Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s Best Friend’s Fund – a program that helps older adults cover emergency veterinary expenses – that she discovered help was available.
SMAA’s Best Friend’s Fund covered the cost that stood between Honey and lifesaving treatment.
“The SMAA Resource Specialist, Dannielle, who helped me was so kind and supportive. She called me afterwards to continue to check on Honey.”
Geni wants others to know just how much this support meant.
“I want people to understand. Honey wouldn’t be alive if the Southern Maine Agency on Aging hadn’t helped me. There is no remedy for poison without immediate treatment. And because they saved him, they saved me too.”
Your generosity makes this life-saving work possible. And thanks to donors like you, more older adults can care for the companions who bring joy, connection, and purpose to their lives.
Because pets aren’t just pets. They are friends, family, and lifelines. Your gift today ensures programs like the Best Friend’s Fund can continue – helping older adults and their beloved companions, exactly when they need it most.
Just like Honey.
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