09/4/2025
From helping Sonya recover from a serious illness to charming the entire neighborhood, Zoey—a loving 4-year-old Staffordshire terrier—shares her joyful energy with everyone she meets.
She’s also a devoted companion to Sonya, a retired grandmother living in the quiet Garfield Heights neighborhood on the east side of Cleveland.
Their journey is a beautiful example of the powerful bond between people and their pets—and the life-changing importance of support.
A Pandemic Puppy
Zoey was born in September 2021, right in the middle of the pandemic. Sonya’s son adopted her to help ease the loneliness of that time.
But not long after Zoey joined their lives, Sonya fell seriously ill with COVID pneumonia. “When I was hospitalized with COVID, he'd bring Zoey over to give me kisses,” Sonya recalls. “It really helped me feel better as I recovered with oxygen at home.”
When her son’s apartment building changed its pet policy, Zoey moved in with Sonya permanently. She still spends time with Sonya’s son—but now, her home base is by Sonya’s side.
A Joyful Companion
“I haven’t always had pets as an adult,” Sonya shares. “I had a dog named Muffin and two cats, Betty and Bridget, when I was a teenager—but that was it until Zoey.”
That changed everything.
“Now, Zoey means everything to me. She keeps me going. I call her my ‘COVID dog’ because of how she helped me recover,” Sonya says. “She has a strong personality and is always happy and smiling. Even though she’s an adult, she still acts like a puppy.”
Zoey’s joy is contagious.
“She loves everybody. She jumps up and wants to kiss everyone she meets!"
A Sweet Reminder of Mom
Zoey’s affectionate nature reminds Sonya of her own mother. “She’s just a playful, cheerful dog that loves to give joy and kisses,” Sonya says. “My mom used to say, ‘I want to give a smooch!’ Zoey does the same thing.”
Even Zoey’s snack preferences bring back memories. “My mom loved buttered popcorn—and so does Zoey,” Sonya laughs. “I think my mom is laughing from heaven because of the simple things Zoey does. I can’t explain it exactly, but she reminds me of her.”
Fireworks and Fear
As many pet parents know, summer in Cleveland often means weeks of fireworks—well beyond the Fourth of July. For Zoey, the loud booms and cracks are terrifying.
“She shakes and hides,” Sonya says. “She gets so scared at night that she won’t even go to the bathroom.”
Sonya wishes cities would take action to limit fireworks displays. “It’s not just dogs. I see deer and other animals having nervous breakdowns. It’s overkill—and then we also have thunderstorms to deal with. Something needs to change.”
Finding Help for Zoey’s Health
In addition to her noise sensitivity, Zoey has allergies that cause itchy skin. She takes Zyrtec daily, along with probiotics and Omega oils.
But when Sonya learned Zoey might need allergy shots, the cost was overwhelming. “I thought, there has to be another way to get her healthy,” Sonya says. “She’s too important to me to give up on.”
That’s when she discovered One Health Organization while searching for help online.
“I needed help with vet expenses and was looking for resources for people trying to keep their pets,” Sonya recalls. “When I saw the vouchers, I applied right away.”
With help from One Health Veterinary Care Vouchers, Sonya can now afford Zoey’s annual vet visits and her allergy medications.
“I'm so grateful for the help—it makes a big difference,” says Sonya.
Advice for Pet Parents
Sonya has advice for others who may be struggling:
“Apply for assistance as soon as you can—the vouchers go quickly,” she says.
“Also look for clinics that work with people on a fixed income. To save money, only do what’s necessary—and consider getting routine shots at a pet store clinic, which can be cheaper.”
All the Joy
Zoey is a joy to everyone in Sonya’s life—especially her grandkids.
“She always greets them with a kiss,” Sonya says. “And I mean a real kiss on the cheek! Sometimes she sneaks one in when they’re not even expecting it. It’s exactly what my mom used to do.”
The joy doesn’t stop at home. Zoey and Sonya love their walks through the neighborhood, where Zoey’s become a local celebrity.
“She’s like a diva or a princess walking down the street,” Sonya says. “All the neighbors know Zoey. They yell ‘Hi Zoey!’ and come out to play with her. She gets doggy treats on every block. She prances. She’s just a beautiful, happy dog. Everybody loves her.”
A Lasting Bond—Made Possible Through Support
Zoey brings love, healing, and laughter to everyone around her—but keeping her healthy hasn’t always been easy. With the help of One Health Organization, Sonya can continue caring for her best friend without the fear of losing her.
Sonya's story shows the impact of One Health Organization’s mission: ensuring pets and their families can stay together, even in tough times. But this work isn’t possible without the generosity of donors like you.
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