MANALAPAN – Reggie is an 11-year-old dog who lost both eyes, one to an accidental puncture and the other to a cataract. He is also diabetic. But he is still active, loving and happy as can be.
“He’s a good dog,” Diane Nita said. “People love him.”
The Manalopan resident, who adopted Reggie from PetSmart when he was three months old, felt she was struggling to keep up with his medical expenses. She is 74 years old, retired and living on a fixed income. Reggie’s insulin cost her more than $300 a month.
Her vet advised her to bond Marty’s place, a non-profit senior dog shelter (ages 7 and up) located in Upper Freehold that offers help in just such situations. Thanks to a $60,000 grant from Monmouth County, Marty’s Place is offering financial assistance to senior citizens of Monmouth County for the costs of caring for their senior dogs.
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“Sometimes we get calls from seniors crying because they love their dogs, but when it comes to paying the PSE&G bill or going to the vet, it’s hard,” said Debbie Williamson, pet care coordinator at Marty’s Senior Dog Sanctuary. “Some of these dogs haven’t been to the vet in years.”
Officially known as the Senior Pet Assistance Program, it’s the brainchild of Marty’s Place, which approached the county for help. Williamson contacted the Asbury Park Press with the information.
“We know there is a need for this,” she said.
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Reggie is a prime example. When Nita was ready to leave her home in Sayreville, she preferred to keep her furry companion with her.
“The only way they would move anywhere is if they took the dogs,” she said.
A few years ago, she noticed that Reggie was drinking an unusual amount of water and losing weight. He was later diagnosed with diabetes. Over time, she racked up credit card debt to pay for her insulin. Also, due to dry eyes, Reggie scratched one until it punctured and had to be removed. The other eye developed a cataract so severe from the diabetes that “it just fell apart,” Nita said.
She sent a letter for help to Marty’s Place, and Williamson responded immediately by coming to her home for an evaluation. The grant will cover all of Reggie’s medical needs.
“While Diane is trying to help Reggie stay stable and healthy, she’s running out of money,” Williamson said. “She is the perfect candidate for the program. She loves this dog and is trying to do everything possible to keep him healthy.”
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Helping seniors and dogs in this situation is important, Williamson said, because “the power of the human-animal bond” can improve the lives of many people — especially seniors who, like Nita, have no other neighbors.
And despitehis setbacks, Reggie is still going.
“He’s getting along,” Nito said. “My vet said, ‘Just don’t move anything in the house.’ He knows if someone is walking or if there is another dog. His sense of smell and hearing improved after he lost his eyes.’
As for Nitto, the help from Marty’s Place cheered her up.
“It’s a find – I couldn’t believe it when they told me,” she said. “It’s wonderful. I try to tell everyone about it. They came to me.”
For information about the Senior Pet Assistance Program, email Debbie Williamson at debbie@martysplace.org or by calling 609-259-1278.
Jerry Carino is a community columnist for the Asbury Park Press, focusing on the Jersey Shore’s interesting people, inspiring stories and pressing issues. Contact him at jcarino@gannettnj.com.
