Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS)

06/11/2026

🌈 PRIDE IS THE POWER OF INTERGENERATIONAL CONNECTION🌈 At the height of the AIDS epidemic, Daralt opened his home to people living with AIDS who had nowhere else to go. He raised money for Shanti, cared for friends facing unimaginable challenges, and helped many return home to be with loved ones in their final days.

Today, at 81 years old, Daralt is connected to Shanti's LGBTQ+ Aging and Abilities Support Network (LAASN), where he found an unexpected friendship with Libby, a younger LGBTQ+ volunteer.

Though separated by generations, the two quickly discovered a shared passion: music.

After a quadruple bypass surgery, Daralt found a creative outlet remixing music on his computer. What began as a hobby grew into a passion he now shares online. Libby, a former band member herself, was immediately drawn into his world of beats, samples, and remixes. What started as volunteer visits soon became weekly jam sessions filled with creativity, laughter, and genuine connection.

Their relationship is a beautiful reminder that Pride is more than a celebration of who we are—it is about community, belonging, and the bonds that connect us across generations. Through a shared love of music, Daralt and Libby found friendship, family, and joy in one another.

At Shanti, we see every day how meaningful human connection can transform lives. Daralt and Libby's story is a powerful example of what happens when people come together through shared identity, shared humanity, and an openness to learn from one another.

🎵🌈 Read their full story—and explore all of our Faces of Pride features—at: https://www.shanti.org/our-impact/faces-of-pride/

If these stories inspire you, please consider making a gift to support the life-changing connections that Shanti creates every day: https://www.shanti.org/donate/

06/09/2026

Faces of Pride: Richard Goldman, Retired Physician Assistant, Care Navigator, and Current Member of Shanti Project’s Board of Directors

Richard Goldman's journey is one of Pride, resilience, and service. A retired Physician Assistant and Care Navigator, Richard now serves on Shanti Project's Board of Directors, helping ensure that the compassion and community that carried him through some of life's most difficult moments remain available for others.

Richard first felt a profound sense of Pride in 1972 while attending college in New York City. Newly out, he met a man named Elliot at a classical music concert. The two held hands and kissed on a city street.

"I felt so proud," Richard recalls.

Years later, Pride took on a different meaning. Following his AIDS and cancer diagnoses, Richard worried he would no longer be able to participate in the celebrations and community that had meant so much to him. During that difficult time, he was matched with Simon, a Shanti Peer Support Volunteer who ensured he didn't have to navigate those challenges alone.

In 1991, Simon accompanied Richard to Pride festivities during a time when many friends and community members had already been lost to AIDS. "It was a very emotional time," Richard remembers. "There were groups in the parade representing those living with AIDS. They represented loss, grief, and love."

The support Richard received through Shanti changed his life. After recovering, he gave back as a volunteer, support group facilitator, trainer, Care Navigator, and today, as a member of Shanti's Board of Directors.

Richard's story reminds us that Pride is more than celebration. It is community. It is showing up for one another. And sometimes, it is the presence of a single person who helps us find strength when we need it most.

To learn more about Richard and the dedicated leaders who serve on Shanti's Board of Directors, discover ways to get involved, or support our mission, visit: https://www.shanti.org/

06/03/2026

For Ray Booth, volunteering with Shanti Project's PAWS Food Bank is about more than delivering pet food — it's about creating connection. One delivery brought him to a client grieving the loss of a beloved cat and hoping to find another companion animal. Ray connected the client with Shanti staff, who were able to support the request. On another visit, he was entrusted with delivering the ashes of a cherished pet. In those moments, Ray witnessed firsthand the profound bond between people and their animals.

“Each delivery is amazing. You never know who is going to show up when you bring them food,” Ray says. Through every visit, he's seen how PAWS provides more than food — it helps people maintain a source of love, comfort, and companionship during life's most difficult times.

This Pride Month, we celebrate volunteers like Ray, whose commitment reflects the spirit of community, compassion, and human connection. “In a time that feels cold and cruel, this is ground level. It's doing things for people to make their lives easier.” ❤️🏳️‍🌈

To learn more about Shanti Project's programs and services, volunteer opportunities, and ways to donate, visit: https://www.shanti.org/

04/15/2026

Mary K. spends most of her days at home, navigating isolation and anxiety—but she’s never alone. By her side is Sugar, her 13-year-old white poodle and constant source of joy. When Mary talks about Sugar, her voice lights up. And when Sugar sees Mary, she jumps with pure excitement. Their bond is everything.

But without support, their story could look very different.

Because of limited mobility and financial resources, Mary wouldn’t be able to care for Sugar on her own—and Sugar, a senior dog with ongoing health needs, would be at risk of entering a shelter.

Through Shanti Project's PAWS program (Pets Are Wonderful Support), that outcome is prevented. PAWS ensures Sugar stays right where she belongs:
🐾 Nutritious food delivered each month
🐾 Daily walks from dedicated volunteers (and plenty of “sniff time”)
🐾 Coordinated veterinary care and transportation to appointments

Mary often says she wouldn’t be able to care for her “beautiful baby” without PAWS. Because of this support, Sugar is still at home—safe, loved, and thriving. And Mary isn’t facing life’s hardest moments alone.

This is what connection looks like.❤️😍. To find out more about Shanti Project's programs and services, go to: https://www.shanti.org/ . To support our programs and help ensure no one faces life’s most difficult moments alone, consider making a donation, becoming a monthly donor, or giving a matching gift: https://www.shanti.org/donate/

12/30/2025

With just a few days left in 2025, we want to say thank you. Because of your support, people facing serious illness, aging, isolation, or loss are met with care, dignity, and community—never alone. Through our PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support) program, Shanti extends connection even further, supporting the bond between people and their beloved animal companions.

PAWS was founded on the principle that no one should have to choose between taking care of their pets and themselves, and therefore Shanti provides free, comprehensive pet support for older adults and adults with illnesses or disabilities.

This year, 89% of clients reported improved health and well-being, and 92% said PAWS helped reduce their isolation. Perhaps most importantly, 97% were able to keep their cherished pets at home, preventing unnecessary surrenders and preserving the mutual love that sustains both human and animal lives.

As we look ahead to 2026, there’s still time to make a year-end gift before January 1. Your support ensures compassionate companionship, meaningful connection, and life-saving care continue into the new year. 💙Make your year-end gift today: https://www.shanti.org/donate/

Thank you for believing in this work—and for helping create a future rooted in compassion and community. 🥰🐶🦊❤️

12/19/2025

No one should face life’s hardest moments alone. ❤️
Oshiro is a PAWS client who knows this deeply. While navigating food insecurity and caring for her uncle Donato during his cancer treatment, her dogs Perla (18) and Tulipan (3) are always by her side—at home, at appointments, everywhere. 🐶

Through Shanti Project’s PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support) program, we help keep Oshiro and her family together by providing:
🐾 Monthly pet food and supplies
🐾 Free baths to keep her dogs healthy
🐾 A reliable stroller so her dogs can safely attend medical appointments

“Perla and Tulipan don’t just keep me company—they are family. We don’t feel alone when they are by our side.”

As the year comes to a close, your generosity ensures that people facing illness, caregiving, and isolation don’t have to choose between their wellbeing and the love of their pets. Thank you for being part of this compassionate community. To make an end-of-year gift, please click: https://www.shanti.org/donate/

08/31/2025

Senior dogs are WINNING today! Shanti is thrilled to announce that we are one of grant recipients awarded funding from The Grey Muzzle Organization. The funds will help our PAWS program keep dogs in their loving homes where they belong.

Our will allow us to help even more dogs thrive in their golden years, which in turn helps keep senior clients healthy and happy as well. A huge thank you to Grey Muzzle and their generous supporters for making this possible and for believing in a time where every dog receives safety and love – no matter their age.

04/15/2025

Support Shanti while enjoying a great meal out! Proposition Chicken has generously agreed to share a portion of its sales with Shanti to support our mission and work in the community. Thank you for your support!

04/08/2025

Please join us in celebrating 50 years of compassion and connection with Shanti Project! A special luncheon event honoring Dr. Charles Garfield in Berkeley, where Shanti started 50 years ago. Limited seating, so please buy your tickets now.

12/31/2024