Astra’s Big Job
And How You Help Her Do It!
Ilena and Wayne live on Albuquerque’s eastside with their dog, Astra, and their cat, Kitty. The loving couple have been Meals on Wheels clients for years. But when a brain
injury left Wayne unable to walk or eat on his own, your support gave the whole family comfort and care.
Thanks to you, Wayne now receives pureed meals—the only food he can eat without a feeding tube—bringing variety to his diet. As his full-time caregiver, Ilena maintains a strict schedule for Wayne’s medication, meals, and therapy.
Keeping Astra healthy doesn’t just ease Ilena’s burden—it’s vital to Wayne’s well-being. Astra detects seizures and low blood sugar, and she helps with speech therapy by encouraging Wayne to talk. As Ilena shared, Astra “will jump there and he’ll pat her, and say something. And that’s what the speech therapist, and even the occupational therapist, said is really, really good.”
Earlier this year, Ilena faced her own health concerns that left her fatigued and with limited mobility. Everyday tasks, like grocery shopping or taking Astra to the vet, became overwhelming. Surrounded by medical supplies, Ilena reflected, “Wayne needs so much help. And I was in so much pain, anything beyond [the basics] I couldn’t do.”
That’s why your generosity through Pet Pals is so important. Because of you, both pets receive food, and Astra enjoys mobile grooming, veterinary care—and soon—even waste pickup. Ilena put it simply, “When people are disabled, they try really hard to do their best. And it’s not enough for their pets. I mean, with us, Wayne is completely unable to take care of any animals. For me, I’m stretched really thin.”
Your kindness has made a world of difference for this family. You ease financial stress, lighten Ilena’s caregiving load, and keep Astra ready for her most important job: bringing comfort, safety, and joy to Wayne.
Thank you for giving the gift of care for the whole family.