‘County Dog’ is still a presence
Henry’s Helping Paws provides food for pets in need
Former state Sen. Andy Dinniman and his poodle Henry went everywhere together.
From the halls of the capitol in Harrisburg to public meetings in Chester County, the pair often traveled together as a team.
Dinniman still refers to Henry as the “County Dog.” Henry is missed. When he passed in 2014, Dinniman received more than 1,000 condolence cards, letters and emails.
In memory of Henry, Dinniman has found a way to give back. Henry’s Helping Paws of Chester County is a way to supply pet food and vet care to shut-in seniors.
Dinniman discovered that many seniors receiving Meals on Wheels were not finishing everything delivered.
“We found some way to memorialize Henry when delivering meals on Wheels to senior citizens,” Dinniman said, during a recent interview at a restaurant. “Many of the senior shutins were giving half of their meals to their dog or cat.”
Those Meals on Wheels dinners are lifelines for many seniors who can’t get out or can’t afford to eat a healthy meal daily.
”Imagine if cost forced you to lose your cherished pet or friend,” Dinniman and program co-founder James Orsini, of Penn Vet School’s New Bolton Center, wrote together in a letter.
“For many, it’s the only living thing they have contact with,” Dinniman said. “Many are separated from their families.”
Bill Pierce is an animal lover and executive director of Brandywine Valley Active Aging.
“As someone who grew up in a house that always had a pet, I continued the tradition when I moved out on my own, Pierce said. “I am fortunate to bring my dog, Westin, to work each day and to see the happiness he brings to those who visit our Campuses.
“I know Henry’s Helping Paws and the pet food pantry contribute to the well-being of the older adults we serve — I am personally grateful to the Senator, and his wife, for championing this important cause.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pets “increase opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities, contribute to better cognitive function, and provide more opportunities to socialize.” Among other things, pets can: make their owners feel needed; help their owners form connections with other people; and help relieve feelings of isolation and loneliness.
During the period April 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024, 42 individuals accessed the pet food pantry and more than 1,250 pounds of pet food was distributed.
Now, the pet food is delivered separate from the Meals on Wheels dinners to prevent some from making heavy deliveries. Henry’s Helping Paws is sophisticated enough to deliver the right food for a particular pet, from puppies to animals with kidney problems.
Dog and cat food also goes to senior centers. The first to adopt this program was the Brandywine Active Senior Center. In addition, the Lutheran Foundation of Southern Chester County pitched in $15,000.
“We soon realized that seniors keeping pets is such an important part of their lives,” Dinniman said. “It goes beyond shut-ins.”
The program has branched out and Dinniman hopes to expand into other counties. With “Pet Healthy Day” any pet owner can get a check-up or pet care from a vet. Volunteer veterinarians provide the service.
The program will give senior shut-ins a $250 voucher and arrange for a mobile vet while receiving care it at their home.
Donna Pluck receives pet food for her cat “Daisy.” She said that for many who have pet companions the assistance really helps. She
works at the Brandywine Active Senior Center.
“It helps knowing that there is cat food out there for your pet instead of trying to budget,” she said.
Sherri Wills plays cards, and games and works at the Brandywine Active Senior Center. She receives food for her dog KK and cat Sebastian.
“It was cheaper to give them my food,” she said. “This really helps.”
The program comes with a cost. Dinniman has established a foundation through the Chester County Community Foundation, with hopes of raising half a million dollars that would guarantee the program operates in perpetuity.
“It might take us a couple of years, but I am convinced that we will reach this goal,” Dinniman said.
So, what did Henry teach Master Dinniman?
“He was my best friend,” Dinniman said. “Through Henry, I learned incredible things.”
Dinniman was taught
the notion of forgiveness, being kind to people when they are down, giving people a second chance, never staying mad and smiling at people while wishing them well.
“Anyone who has a dog or cat knows what I’m talking about,” he said. “Every senior gains from their pet in terms of emotional and physical health.
“Since we discovered that seniors who were isolated and had these same feelings for dogs and cats were giving up half of their only meal of the day to their pet,” Dinniman said, ”this was the right way to memorialize Henry.
“There is a group of people in the county in both parties who love dogs and cats,” Dinniman said. “The only thing that unites anyone anymore in this country seems to be their pets.
“For all persuasions in Chester County, there are certain issues that transcend politics. It’s like open space, it doesn’t matter if you are an R, a D, or
an I, young or old.”
If interested in helping, make checks payable to: “Henry’s Helping Paws of Chester County Fund.”
Mail to: Chester County Community Foundation, The Lincoln Building, 26 W. Market St., West Chester PA 19382.
On the internet, go to: chescocf.org/fund/henryshelping-paws-fund/