Sherman and Taco’s Story
Sherman Armstrong retired and moved to Arizona to be near his twin sister. Then, the unthinkable happened. His wife, Pat, and his sister passed away just one week apart.
Without two of the people closest to him, Sherman felt lonely. So, a friend gave him a puppy. And he immediately knew the perfect name.
Taco.
It was a reminder of one of Sherman’s favorite memories of Pat.
After battling cancer and chemo for four and a half years, Pat decided she’d had enough. When the doctor asked what she needed, she knew the answer immediately. “I need some tacos. Let’s go get some tacos,” Pat said. So, Sherman, Pat, and their son Ron went out to get them.
“I named this dog in memory of her,” Sherman said. “Taco means unconditional love.”
Today, Taco gives Sherman companionship after tremendous loss. And having a dog by his side is something he now believes everyone should experience.
“No man should go through life without a puppy,” he said.
Full Bowls Keep Families Like Sherman and Taco Together
Sherman learned about PetSmart Charities® through a local television story that mentioned providing dog food to older adults and others in need. It inspired Sherman to seek support for Taco.
“I’m so glad I came here and met you wonderful people,” Sherman said.
People love their pets, and 88% of pet owners consider them members of the family. For some, this means filling their pet’s bowl before their own. Yet that bond is worth protecting. A Meals on Wheels America study found that more than 95% of homebound seniors said having a pet made them feel healthier and less socially isolated.
PetSmart Charities® partners with Feeding America, Meals on Wheels America, United Way Worldwide, and other organizations to support family members on both ends of the leash. They donate pet food to food banks, deliver it to homebound seniors, and continuously find new ways to help people like Sherman keep caring for the pets who mean so much to them.
“I’m thankful,” Sherman said.
No one should have to choose between feeding themselves and the pet they love.
