A PLACE for PET LOVERS

Before moving to Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, Jean Tebay asked if there was a dog club on campus. When she learned there wasn’t one, she told sales staff, “If we come here, there will be one.”

She moved to Masonic Village at Elizabethtown in September 2016, and four months later, the Dog Club held its first meeting in January 2017. It was a chance for owners and their dogs to get to know each other. At the next meeting, a veterinarian talked about flea and tick treatment.

Jean has decades of experience launching and coordinating programs involving animals, dating back to the 1960s, when she was one of the pioneers of therapeutic horse riding in the United States. She worked with veterans and children with physical and intellectual disabilities.

As the Dog Club grew, and now includes more than 80 people on its email list, Jean has been asked why the club only covers dogs and not other pets. Seeing no reason it couldn’t be all inclusive, the Dog Club was renamed the Pet Club to be more encompassing.

The Pet Club includes regular meet-ups, where attendees can interact with one another, enjoy a presentation from a local animal enthusiast or enhance their knowledge with an educational program.

At a third meeting, Cindy Rose, a humanities, arts and film professor at Harrisburg Area Community College, discussed Royals and their pets, which was well-received. Cindy has returned several times to lead programs.

Programs over the last few years include a visit from a local pet store owner who brought a bird, small amphibians, hamsters and fish. He’ll be returning in 2023 with a giant tortoise and a potbellied pig. The club meets twice a year for take-your-dog to lunch at a local café. In November, residents Carole and Mike Artim gave an agility demonstration (read more about Carole’s experience on pp. 20-21). This year’s events include an art project using animal pawprints and a talk on rare dog breeds.

“I energy from our staff,” Jean said. “Without this support, we wouldn’t be successful.”

With an estimated 125 dogs across the Masonic Village campus, naturally, some are better behaved than others. If someone needs assistance with their dog, club members can offer assistance or help find a professional trainer, if needed.

“At Masonic Village, we love and help each other,” Jean said. “In the end, our residents will be happier with their dogs.”

Jean has also arranged pet visits at the Bleiler Caring Cottage, and whenever possible, schedules programs for retirement living residents and those in the Masonic Health Care Center and Freemasons personal care residence.

She vets all activities and speakers to ensure safety and appropriateness. All guests need to have insurance. Anyone providing pet visitations needs to have their pets vaccinated and socialized and demonstrate they’re well-mannered.

Jean’s dog, Clemmie (shown in top left photo with Scott Davison from the Bleiler Caring Cottage), passed away in June. She will take her time finding a new one, and in the meantime, memories of Clemmie live on with many who encountered her on walks and during the Pet Club’s “Photos with a Pet” held for Christmas and Valentine’s Day (see bottom left photo above). Resident Mick McCurdy volunteers to take photos during these events (and many other resident events), which will be held again in 2023, and participants receive a copy of the photo for a nominal cost.

“My joy is seeing residents’ joy,” Jean said. “Whether it’s watching someone pick up a lizard and talk to it or bringing a dog to visit residents in the health care center, I love what I do.” make a connection with animals they don’t make with humans,” Jean said. “If it’s done right, it’s the perfect relationship.”

Anyone can participate in the club’s events. There is no membership fee. Donations may be collected to give to presenters.