“A diamond in the rough…” is a phrase that has come to mean, “A person or thing with EXCEPTIONAL qualities or characteristics that cannot be seen from the surface.”
It’s like finding a hidden gem or realizing an underappreciated quality in something or someone.
And it’s a reality that Cheryl Garrity understands BETTER than most.
Cheryl is on a self-prescribed and satisfying quest to excel in small dog eldercare and hospice.
Since November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month, we thought it would be a great opportunity to catch up with Cheryl and her Garrity clan.
Here’s what we learned about her story.
A Long History…
Cheryl is not a novice when it comes to caring for animals—of ALL species. She had a farm in Colorado with an astounding 200 plus animals.
15 or so farm dogs, over time, were part of that furry family. All but two of those were rescues and they aged along well—eventually needing eldercare and hospice.
Unlike so many poor pups that get turned away when they reach senior status, Cheryl dug in deep to give them what they needed until “the curtains closed on their lives.”
Part of her current clan, from left to right… Walter, Milo, and Papo.
All recently adopted by Cheryl through PPR.
A True Calling…
It didn’t take long for Cheryl to notice that her passion for loving senior pups THROUGH their golden years was a true “sweet spot.” It gave her peace to know that she could fill a need for these deserving pets.
So about five years ago, she started to actively seek out “the diamonds in the rough.” She adopted multiple dogs, bringing home those who were small, older, and were unlikely to be adopted by other families.
And her benevolent efforts didn’t stop when she moved from Colorado to sunny Florida—which is when PPR pups came on her radar.
The rest of her current clan, (Little Man) Louie and camera-shy Oscar Mayer…
more PPR alums.
Cheryl cared for sweet and gentle Georgie as he crossed the
rainbow bridge this year.
An Intentional Search…
Senior pups that find themselves without a home might not have the obvious charms that a wriggly new puppy has. But the joy these pooches have to share is undeniable.
Cheryl’s search for nap-taking, low energy, and possibly sad elder pups has led her to her some amazing characters with lessons to teach.
Given a bit of time to settle in and feel secure, these older, wiser pooches blossom and often find their mojo again. In Cheryl’s own words, “it is invigorating to the soul to see it happen.”
She wants everyone with a RESCUE heart to know that eldercare is where it’s at. There is joy, funny-sweet moments, and deep satisfaction to be found in this precious group.
At PPR…
We couldn’t agree more! In fact, our mission has always been to find “the diamonds in the ruff.”
Daily, we see that senior pups show us they have some pretty incredible qualities, sweet cuddles, and gentle love to share.
It’s humans like Cheryl that give us the ability to step into their stories over and over again.