“The power of pets” is an intimate look at how animals bring meaning, comfort, and companionship to our lives at any age. From a pair of rescued dogs who helped mend a broken heart to a farm full of creatures offering daily purpose, these stories celebrate the healing, joy, and quiet strength found in caring for — and being cared for by — pets.

Second chances

When Donna Kershaw, 80, of Atkinson, N.H. took on a volunteering role at MSPCA Nevins Farm after the loss of her husband, she didn’t expect a routine assignment caring for a litter of cats to change her life. But Douglas, blind and recovering from severe health issues, captured her heart.

What about Douglas made him stick out from the rest of the cats you’ve cared for? 

“When he first came to MSPCA, he was nothing but skin and bones. He was suffering … the vets had to remove his eyes because they were infected to the point where they just couldn’t be saved, and they had to remove his teeth … But I found when he was put into the adoption room, they would put toys in there, and somehow he would still find and play with them. Everybody would come and say, ‘Look at Douglas! After everything he’s been through, he’s still playing with toys.’ That’s when I knew I was falling in love with this cat.”

How have you and Douglas given each other a second chance?

“I thought I was going to get a blind cat that was just going to sit in a corner, but that’s not Douglas. He loves to play and greet people. He’s great company for me, and he’s really filled my life up a lot. I don’t have children of my own, and on a daily basis it’s just me. It’s great when I come home that there’s this little guy who always meets me at the door.”

Do you have any advice for people looking to adopt a pet later in life? 

“Seniors shouldn’t hesitate to get some sort of a pet. You should think about what your capabilities are. You don’t want to get a puppy that’s full of energy if this is not something you can keep up with. But I definitely would recommend it. When you get older, coming home to an empty house can be difficult, especially if you had a lifetime of being with someone. So it just gives you a little body to take care of.”

Love after loss 

Lu-Ann Pozzi, 62, of Malden, Mass., and her husband, Steve, had always dreamed of adopting a beagle named Loki to join their first rescue dog, Mister. After Steve passed away in 2023, Lu-Ann made that dream a reality, and found companionship, comfort, and a renewed sense of purpose along the way.

What qualities about Mister and Loki bring you the most joy? 

“Mister’s foster parents called him ‘the wise old man.’ There’s something very zen about him that’s just very calm. But Loki is like the class clown when you know you need it.”

How has being a pet owner impacted your life? 

“After my husband died, I wouldn’t have left the house. I certainly would have not gone outside and walked. They give me love. On days when I have bad days, they know it and sit on my lap. I also work full time but I don’t have an office to go to, so they give my day structure and put boundaries on my life, because otherwise I would work 24/7. Plus I can talk to them, so they keep me sane.” 

What made you decide to adopt older dogs? 

“Mister is 13 and Loki is 5, and I adopted Loki through Great Dog Rescue New England and a program called the Paws Project, which is a way for older dogs to get adopted. Typically with rescues, everyone wants the puppy and not the 4-or 5-year-old dog, but I would never adopt a dog that wasn’t at least 2 because they’re already potty trained and everything. Everyone thinks at that age they’re damaged, but dogs don’t hold grudges like that. Usually you can work through it.”

A home for all creatures

Each day on her farm in Pelham, Mass., Michelle Cooke, 54, feeds, brushes, and tends to her growing family of animals: Milkshake the cow, Storm the horse, Taco the goat, Marvin the baby pig, and plenty of others. It’s hard work, but for Michelle, the rhythm of care is its own reward.

What does a typical day look like on your farm?

“Normally in the morning I get up, feed everybody, and give them water. Then I go to work, I teach until about 3 p.m., and come home and clean, do the brushing and maintenance. It’s calming for me. Instead of going to the gym after work, I can just shovel manure and load buckets. It’s my workout.” 

What is it like to add a new animal to the mix?

“When I brought Marvin home, I raised him in the house. So for the first month, he lived in the living room. I got him used to the dogs, and he pretty quickly got attached and started following me around. We have a leash on him now and he’s just like the dogs.”

What is your favorite part about living with so many animals?

“Being a teacher is very demanding, and when I come home, the animals just want me to be with them. When you walk in, the horse will hug you. The cow just wants to lick you like a dog. So it really helps me decompress after a stressful work day. Plus, animals don’t argue. They’re always happy to see you.”