Pet Pals is a charity located in Fall Branch, TN that puts aquariums in nursing homes. It started 35 years ago when my son was in Cub Scouts. They installed a 10 gallon tank in a nursing home and maintained it. They would go to the home each weekend in their blue uniforms and clean the tank and do any other chore that was needed. The residents enjoyed their coming. They also enjoyed the fish. Some gave the fish names.
Now, we are installing 50 gallon tanks at a cost of about $500 a pop. Pet Smart helps on the prices at times. Local banks will provide most of the funding. We add a plack to the tank acknowledging those who contributed to the project.
The job of Pet Pals is to teach someone in the nursing home how to feed and care for the fish. Generally, there is someone there who keeps tropical fish at home. There is little doubt that the residents appreciate the tank.
If you find an ambitious administrator, you may also install a finch display, terrarium, plant wagon, small pond, etc. before you know it. Local high school shops are good about building what you might need if you provide the materials.
Pet Pals is a good way to use your knowledge of fish, and it might even keep me out of that hot spot where I belong eventually.
Now, we are installing 50 gallon tanks at a cost of about $500 a pop. Pet Smart helps on the prices at times. Local banks will provide most of the funding. We add a plack to the tank acknowledging those who contributed to the project.
The job of Pet Pals is to teach someone in the nursing home how to feed and care for the fish. Generally, there is someone there who keeps tropical fish at home. There is little doubt that the residents appreciate the tank.
If you find an ambitious administrator, you may also install a finch display, terrarium, plant wagon, small pond, etc. before you know it. Local high school shops are good about building what you might need if you provide the materials.
Pet Pals is a good way to use your knowledge of fish, and it might even keep me out of that hot spot where I belong eventually.
