Paws for a Cause fundraises for Alzheimer’s research with fourlegged photoshoots
Dec 20, 2025
Pet Pals TV: Paws for a Cause
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Each and every week, “Pet Pals TV” shares a fun, interesting, and informative story about our-four legged and furry friend population.
On the latest “Pet Pals TV,” host Patty Spitler was joined by Gina Middaugh from American Villa
ge and Washington Manor, American Village’s lifestyle specialist Rachel Piccolo, and the special good boy guest of the hour, Toby.
The human companions joined Patty to discuss Paws for a Cause, an event that fundraises for Alzheimer’s research through photoshoots with your four-legged family members.
Toby is one of the pets living at the senior community, and though he had few words to say, Piccolo spoke on the most recent photoshoot for him.
“This is our 11th annual event where we have our pet photographer, Ellie Sophia, (and) we invited the community, our residents, and families to come in and have pet photos taken,” she explained. “We provide different props for them to put on, and then they have a great picture taken. All we ask for is a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.”
Many seniors who live in community homes want to have their pets with them, but are often not allowed. For American Village, Middaugh says pets are allowed in on a case-by-case basis.
“We are a pet-friendly community, but (the residents) do have to be independent to take care of their pets,” she said. “That’s the important thing. If you have a cat, can you clean out the litter? Can you walk the dog?”
This year’s Paws for a Cause event has wrapped up, but Middaugh says they were able to raise over $700 for the Alzheimer’s Association.
To learn more about Paws for a Cause, watch the video above.
(Provided Photos/American Village Ellie Sophia Pet Photography)
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