The mission of Silverado Senior Living in Encinitas is to bring life to its residents with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, and a great deal of that is accomplished through pets. When a new resident moves in and already has a dog, cat, or bird, that pet is welcomed into the community as one of the Silverado family. Pet care associate Jerolyn Bleak assures that the pet is properly cared for and acclimated into its new environment. She maintains all vaccine and health records, purchases pet supplies, keeps their environments clean, and arranges for veterinary and grooming needs. There are also community pets — two miniature horses, two guinea pigs, a short-haired rabbit, four cats, an assortment of birds, aquarium fish, and an adorable chinchilla named Rosie. When residents are gathered in the theater room for music therapy or the monthly birthday celebration, Bleak brings in several animals for the group to pet. And on occasion, the residents interact with the menagerie of small critters and the horses, while Bleak offers a brief history on each and uses it as trivia challenges for cognitive stimulation. (760/753-1245, www.silveradosenior.com) JANE SHIOMI
