Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
When Barb and Larry Michael, Warsaw, realized that without their parents, they were missing the companionship of an older person, they contacted REAL Services to volunteer for a "friendly visit" with someone in the Warsaw area. REAL Services researched the list of those waiting for a volunteer and found Kate Staub, 92, Warsaw.
The twist was the Michaels' desire to include their dog, Elle Mae, a 64-pound, 2-year-old Sheltie, in their visits. It's widely accepted that pets can have a therapeutic effect on senior citizens. Before finalizing the visits between the Michaels and Staub, Debbie Leach, REAL Services, contacted Staub's granddaughter, Dawn, to determine if including a pet in the visits would be acceptable. Leach said, "Now everyone really enjoys the arrangement."
Staub lives alone, takes no prescription medicine and still drives to get her hair done, to the grocery store and church. She was born and raised in Mishawaka until she married and moved to Leesburg. They moved to Warsaw in 1962. Dawn and her husband visit Staub each Thursday and the Michaels visit every other week.
Each visit, Elle entertains Staub by performing circles, sitting, giving kisses, shaking hands (paws), rolling over and accepting verbal and hand signals. Elle is as gentle and well-mannered as she can be. She even completed REAL Services' orientation classes.
The Michaels moved to Warsaw from Sidney, Ohio. Larry is in information technology and installs and repairs computers with Sprint. Barb is in the commercial loan department at Lake City Bank. Larry said, "Kate's sharp as a tack. She knows so much she even enlightens us on current events."
More volunteers like the Michaels are needed. REAL Services has a list of 125 clients waiting for volunteers, and although the number of volunteers has increased to seven and one dog in Kosciusko County, many more are needed.
For information on the types of volunteer opportunities available in this area, call REAL Services at 800-552-7928.
