A recent photography session at a senior living center in Tampa, Florida, showcased the happiness and joy that shelter dogs can bring into our lives. The event, held on May 22, saw volunteers bringing shelter dogs from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay to Brookdale Bayshore, a senior living facility. The residents had the opportunity to pose with the adorable pups for portraits taken by Adam Goldberg, co-owner of AGoldPhoto Pet Photography.
Goldberg expressed his satisfaction at witnessing the residents and dogs alike smiling and enjoying themselves during the session. The dogs, thrilled to be out of the shelter environment, lapped up the attention and affection they received. The common area where the dogs awaited their turn for photos turned into a lively and festive space, with residents and staff gathering around to meet and interact with the furry guests. In a heartwarming turn of events, two of the dogs, Lucie and Zoe, found forever homes with employees at the facility on the same day.
Elizabeth Buchinski, the director of resident engagement at Brookdale Bayshore, shared how the dining services manager and nurse manager unexpectedly decided to adopt Lucie and Zoe after forming connections with these dogs during the event. Buchinski highlighted the benefits of having pets in a senior living facility, mentioning that Brookdale Bayshore is pet-friendly and even assists residents in caring for their animals, fostering a sense of purpose and companionship among the residents.
The event also provided an opportunity for residents to share stories about their past and present pets with Goldberg, who found these interactions delightful. He emphasized the importance of showcasing shelter dogs in a positive light and dispelling any misconceptions about them. The photos taken during the session aim to challenge stereotypes and show that shelter animals are just as loving and deserving of forever homes.
Through this initiative, the goal was not only to promote adoptable dogs from the shelter but also to enrich the lives of the residents at Brookdale Bayshore. The experience was described as a day of joy and community engagement, with the added bonus of creating lasting memories through the photographs captured during the event. Overall, the collaboration between the senior living facility and the shelter dogs proved to be a heartwarming and mutually beneficial endeavor.
