Spring-2023

On the walk back to her car, the idea for POMDR hit Broecker in a flash. “The entire concept, including the name, came to me in that moment.We will keep senior dogs and senior people together as long as possible. I knew it was an unfilled niche.” “Carie called me immediately, told me her idea, and asked if I was interested in helping,” Rua says. “I loved the idea and said ‘absolutely. This sounds awesome.’” Because of past experience, it always broke Rua’s heart to see older animals in the shelter, because they aren’t adopted as often as younger ones. “I added that we should also take in and care for senior dogs who ended up in animal shelters.” Due to their years at Animal Friends, Broecker and Rua shared a wealth of experience in running a nonprofit, and a rescue organization in particular. “We knew what worked and what didn’t,” Rua says. “At that point, I don’t think either of us had any idea that POMDR was going to blossom into what it is today.” Above: Volunteer Michelle Bumgardner with Flora, a 4-year- old female Catahoula mix, who came to POMDR when her guardian could no longer care for her. Below: Grizzly, a 10- year-old male German Shepherd, was found as a stray. Photo: Courtesy of POMDR 122 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 3 People from around the nation have contacted POMDR, wanting to create something like this in their own communities. Photo: Courtesy of POMDR