Busselton 'Angels' keep best mates together

The deep impact of local volunteers on our community has again been highlighted, this time with the passing of a much loved local resident.

Baptistcare William Carey Court resident Ken Gawn passed away this month at the age of 90, with his son, daughter and best mate Molly by his bedside.

Mr Gawn was a long term client of the Busselton branch of POOPS (Pets of Older Persons), a not for profit charity run by volunteers providing free pet care services for elderly or disabled pet owners.

Coordinator Cathy Gibson said the group, and in particular volunteer Pat Mitchell, had become a vital connection for Mr Gawn as he made the decision to move into the Baptistcare facility.

“Ken resisted the urging of everyone to take up residence at Baptist Care William Carey Court because he couldn’t bear to live apart from Molly.

“He finally agreed when volunteer Pat offered to take Molly into her care and Baptist Care kindly agreed that Molly could spend the day with Ken.”

Molly began spending nights with Pat, and was walked by Pat and other POOPS volunteers each morning before spending the day with Mr Gawn in his room, a nearby grassed area allowing Molly to step out for regular breaks.

Pat would return each afternoon to collect Molly and walk her home, seven days a week for the past year.

Cathy said Pat was “nothing short of an angel” for her commitment to maintaining Mr Gawn’s connection with his pet.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Ken would have passed a long time ago but for this incredible kindness that allowed the love of his life to remain by his side.”

She said walking volunteers past and present had worked to keep Molly at home with Mr Gawn since July 2021, before he moved into the care facility.

“Special mention and thanks should also go to volunteers Alannah Gannaway and Kathleen McKeogh for minding Molly on a number of occasions to allow Pat to have a break.”

Cathy said being involved with the organisation was about “so much more than dog walking”, and that while volunteers regularly helped clients to connect with services outside of pet care, the caring communities of Busselton and Dunsborough had shown an inclination to help wherever help was needed.

“My volunteers make me incredibly proud to be associated with a group of people that each and every day are going over and above the dog walking,” she said.

“It’s what happens when kind hearted souls see an unmet need. You are the nicest group of people I have ever had the privilege to meet and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”

Molly has now found a permanent home with Pat.

For more information on POOPS and to find out more about becoming a volunteer, visit www.poopswa.org.au