Henry has always been a curious dog. (PHOTO SUBMITTED/ANDY DINNIMAN)
WEST CHESTER — Former state Sen. went together. Andy Dinniman and his poodle Henry.
From the halls of the capitol in Harrisburg to public meetings in Chester County, the couple often came together as a team.
Dinniman still refers to Henry as the “County Dog.” I miss Henry. When he passed in 2014, Dinniman received more than 1,000 condolence cards, letters and emails.
In memory of Henry, Dinniman found a way to give back. Henry’s Helping Paws of Chester County is a way to provide pet food and veterinary care to incarcerated seniors.
Dinniman found that many seniors who receive Meals on Wheels do not finish all that is delivered.
“We found some way to remember Henry when delivering Meals on Wheels to senior citizens,” Dinniman said, in a recent interview at a restaurant. “Many shut-in seniors give half their meals to their dog or cat.”
Those Meals on Wheels dinners are lifelines for many seniors who can’t go out or can’t afford to eat a healthy meal every day.
“Imagine if the cost forced you to lose your beloved pet or friend,” Dinniman and program co-founder James Orsini, of Penn Vet School’s New Bolton Center, wrote in a letter.
“For many, it’s the only living thing they can relate to,” 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 home that always had pets, I continued the tradition when I moved out on my own, Pierce said. “I was blessed to bring my dog, Westin, to work every day and see the happiness that 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 seniors we serve – I am personally grateful to the Senator, and his wife, for supporting this important cause.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pets “increase opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities, contribute to better mental function, and provide more opportunities to socialize.” Among other things, pets can: make their owners feel needed; help their owners build connections with other people; and help relieve feelings of isolation and loneliness.
During the period April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, 42 individuals accessed the pet food pantry and distributed more than 1,250 pounds of pet food.
Now, pet food is delivered separately from 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 specific pet, from puppies to animals with kidney problems.
Dog and cat food also goes to senior centers. The first adopter of this program was Brandywine Active Senior
Middle. In addition, the Lutheran Foundation of Southern Chester County got $15,000.
“Soon, we realized that seniors keeping pets is an important part of their lives,” Dinniman said. “It’s beyond shut-in.”
The program has branched out and Dinniman hopes to expand to other counties. On “Pet Healthy Day” any pet owner can get a check-up or pet care from a veterinarian. Volunteer veterinarians provide the service.
The program will give senior shut-ins a $250 voucher and arrange for a mobile vet to care for them in their home.
Donna Pluck receives pet food for her cat “Daisy.” She said that for many who have a pet with them the help is really helpful. She works at the Brandywine Active Senior Center.
“It helps to know that there is cat food for your pet instead of trying to budget,” she says.
Sherri Wills plays cards, and games and works at the Brandywine Active Senior Center. He accepts food for his dog KK and cat Sebastian.
“It’s cheaper to give them my food,” he said. “It really helps.”
The program has an associated cost. Dinniman has established a foundation through the Chester County Community Foundation, with the hope of raising half a million dollars that will guarantee the program operates indefinitely.
“It may take us a few years, but I’m convinced we can reach this goal,” Dinniman said.
So, what does 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 sad, giving people a second chance, not staying angry and smiling at people while greeting them well.
“Anyone who has a dog or a cat knows what I’m talking about,” she said. “Every senior gains from their pet in terms of emotional and physical health.
“Because we found that seniors who are isolated and have the same feelings for dogs and cats give half of their only meal of the day to their pet,” Dinniman said, “this is the right way to remember Henry.
“There’s a bunch of people in the county in both parties who love dogs and cats,” Dinniman said. “The only thing that unites anyone in this country seems to be their pets.
“For all the persuasions in Chester County, there are some issues that transcend politics. It’s like an open space, it doesn’t matter if it’s R, D, or 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/henrys-helping-paws-fund/
