By Sara Martin
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
“I hadn’t exactly planned on adopting a cat,” says Joyce Jackson, recounting her story to the Resident Pet Owner Association at Eagle’s Trace.
“My husband and I lived in west Houston before we moved to Eagle’s Trace,” she says. “One day, a young, scrawny cat showed up on our doorstep. At first, I just gave him a little water. He must have appreciated the kindness because he stuck around. A few days later, I put a box on my porch and gave him a little food. When the weather cooled, I opened the garage door just a bit so he would have a place to warm up. Finally, I ended up putting a basket on the dryer with a heating pad in it so he would be cozy on cold days. Sam has been with us ever since.”
Sam moved to Eagle’s Trace with the Jacksons in September 2006. Now he spends his days basking in the sun by their bay window and relishing the attention he gets from his owners. And Sam is not the only pet at Eagle’s Trace with a rags-to-riches story.
Prescription for healthy living
“Several residents have adopted rescue animals,”says Renate Donovan. “I got my schnauzer, Ronnie, from Special Pals, a nonprofit animal adoption center in Houston.”
Donovan is president of the Resident Pet Owner Association at Eagle’s Trace. The group meets once a quarter to share ideas and discuss topics of interest. At a recent meeting, the members agreed to look into the possibility of establishing a pet-sitting co-op. The coop would allow residents to exchange pet-sitting duties when they go on vacation so they don’t have to board their animals.
“Having a pet allows you to meet people you might not otherwise get to know,” says Donovan. “I’ve made friends with other residents because we see each other out walking our dogs and realize we have that in common.”