On February 11, PetPals hosted an Oscar Award Ceremony with their participating volunteer animals. These “Pawscars” were a fun and entertaining way for the residents and staff of the Rogerson House to experience cuteness right in their neighborhood. Every pet walked the red carpet and won a Pawscar award, bag of dog toys, and flowers for their human partner.
Afton and Smooshy, after winning the Too Too Cute Toto Award
The volunteer event took place at Rogerson House in Jamaica Plain, and was judged by three animal-loving elderly living there. There were nine canine teams entered in the contest. Contestants included Afton and Smooshy, who won the Too Too Cute Toto Award, and Harrison and Laura and Henry, who won the Snoopy Sniffer Award.
The awards show was the place to be to see dogs show off their “rock star“ personalities while enjoying good company with humans and canines. Rogerson House residents also got to meet Allen the Guinea Pig and Krowka the Cat -- two of the unique PetPals animals who helped cheer on the show.
PetPals, a program of FriendshipWorks, is designed for volunteers and their pets to bring joy every week to elders living in long-term care facilities in the Boston area. In hand with PetPals, FriendshipWorks’ mission is to reduce isolation, enhance the quality of life, and preserve the dignity of older adults in Boston through a network of trained volunteers.
The Rogerson House is across from Jamaica Pond and offers an assisted living residence, a day program and respite care in a home environment.