Redmond Senior Center, Local Paws pet store partner to support seniors with pets
(Update: Adding video, comments by Senior Center, Local Paws)
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A Redmond pet shop, Local Paws, is teaming up with the Redmond Senior Center this October to help area seniors who can use some help caring for their pets.
"There's so many people that are isolated and alone and their families don't live close, and they don't have daily contact, with other people seeing them," said Lahna Avery, volunteer coordinator at the Redmond Senior Center. "Seeing them having a pet to talk to, to love, to give you a love that fills that void, that emptiness."
Avery says Local Paws previously helped donate dog food to the center's Passion for Pets Program. The program helps the elderly provide quality care for their pets.
Avery said seniors were asked, "Do you ever struggle to feed your animals? And have you ever passed up a meal so your animal could eat? And three people said they missed meals to feed their pets - and we decided we had to do something about that,"
As part of the program, the Redmond Senior Center provides pet food to about 25 people who already receive food from Meals on Wheels. Local Paws' partner program will directly support the senior center's Passion for Pet Program.
Local Paws co-founder Jessica Tiersma said, "Back with my grandparents, they had a little dachshund, and they really focused on that dog's health above their own. And so our mission really lies where the Redmond Senior Center does, is to make sure those people are taken care of, and then we're here to help make sure those pets are taken care of as well."
Local Paws started in 2020 as a dog food truck and transformed into a brick-and-mortar shop in 2022.
"It was always a passion of ours to open a pet store," Tiersma said. "My husband's parents owned pet stores since he was 9 years old, and I've been in this industry myself for about 16 years. So we thought, if someone's going to open a local neighborhood pet store in Redmond, then why not us?"
Throughout October, the Local Paws Partner Program will collect donations of non-perishable dog and cat food, as well as pet supplies. They'll also be taking monetary donations to help support the senior center's Passion for Pets program.
Avery said, "This diabetic, blind dog still has a life because we're helping giving her the right food. We're part of that. And that makes you feel like, keep going!"
"I actually think it gives some of these people a reason to keep going, because they've got to take care of their pet, you know? And I think that's just so important. And the pets just are unconditional with their love," Avery said.
Local Paws has several events planned to promote this partnership with the Redmond Senior Center including an event on October 12th from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. Donations can be brought to their Downtown Redmond location. They'll also be offering a 10% discount to seniors 65 and older.
Earlier info:
Founded by Jessica and Mark Tiersma, Local Paws began as Oregon’s only “dog food truck” and has grown into a thriving brick-and-mortar store. The Tiersmas felt a personal connection to the Senior Center’s efforts when they learned how vital pets are to seniors’ well-being.
“These pets are not just companions; they’re family,” said Jessica. “It’s crucial to support both seniors and their pets.”
Randy Graves, Director of Operations at the Redmond Senior Center, added, “For many of our seniors, their pets provide companionship and a reason to get up each day. We’re thrilled to partner with Local Paws to help them.”
The Local Paws Partners Program will collect donations of non-perishable food, pet supplies and funds at the store. Contributors of 10 or more items will receive a free gift. Proceeds will benefit the Senior Center’s Passion for Pets program, which helps seniors with limited resources care for their pets.
To celebrate, Local Paws is hosting the 4th Annual Customer Appreciation Event on Saturday, October 12th, featuring five local non-profits, including the Redmond Senior Center. Attendees can participate in a raffle, with proceeds supporting the participating organizations.
For more information, visit localpawsredmond.com or stop by the store.
About Redmond Senior Center
Located in the heart of Redmond, Oregon, the Redmond Senior Center is a hub for senior education, wellness, and community activities. Dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults, the center provides a variety of programs and services that promote health, education, and social engagement.
