In home pet care: A lifeline for Jean and Bobo

My little dog Bobo and I moved across the country from Perth in Western Australia to Cairns in Far North Queensland. I can’t put it into words how much Bobo means to me.  He is part of my family. He means the world to me. I just love him to bits. I just need a bit of help with his care.

When I was living in Perth, I was familiar with Pets Of Older Persons (POOPS) WA – a non-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers that provides a fee-free pet care service for older pet owners. Upon arriving in Cairns, I sought out a similar service to help with Bobo’s care.

I contacted Animal Care for Seniors at Home Cairns (ACSAH) in March 2023 and have been assisted by volunteers ever since. ACSAH is a not-for-profit, entirely volunteer run community service providing free in-home pet care assistance for older people in Cairns.

Volunteer Lauren helps with regular walks and baths for Bobo and volunteer Graham helps with transporting Bobo to the vet, groomer and boarding kennels as required. ACSAH volunteers also assist to enact my plan of care for Bobo in an emergency, for example when I needed hospitalisation or an extreme weather event.

ACSAH is a lifesaver and a lifeline! They have taken a lot of worry off my shoulders.  It is a wonderful service.  I’d be lost if it wasn’t for them.  I have a very supportive family, but they all live interstate and overseas.  If it wasn’t for ACSAH I wouldn’t have anyone to help on a regular basis.”