A Purr-fect Dream Come True: EveryAge’s Grant A Dream Program Surprises Abernethy Laurels Resident

Grant A Dream™, an EveryAge program made possible through generous donations to the EveryAge Foundation from EveryAge residents, employees, and supporters, helps older adults in EveryAge communities revisit their lifelong passions. For Sue Lutz, a resident at Abernethy Laurels in Newton, N.C., that passion has always been cats.

Lutz’s room is a tribute to her love for felines—cat-themed décor, cat shirts, and Animal Planet often playing in the background. While she enjoys visits from pet therapy dogs, her heart truly belongs to cats. Before moving into assisted living, Lutz shared her life with a beloved cat named Trouble, who now lives with her niece and nephew-in-law. Though she receives regular updates and photos, Lutz deeply misses the comfort of petting Trouble, hearing her purr, and feeling her soft fur.

Recognizing this longing, Abigail Crowder, activities coordinator at Abernethy Laurels, nominated Lutz for a Grant A Dream™ experience. Crowder found the perfect destination: Purrfect Pour Cat in Lincolnton, N.C., a wheelchair-accessible haven for cat lovers.

On an unseasonably cool summer Friday—Aug. 5, International Cat Day, no less—Lutz, accompanied by her caregivers and friend, Jean, arrived at the café. Wearing a pink shirt printed with a photo of her cat, Trouble, Lutz was full of excitement. She was welcomed into a cozy private room filled with cats of all ages. The café, known for its vibrant decor and black-and-white checkered floors, has helped more than 460 cats find their fur-ever homes.

The space was thoughtfully designed with accessibility in mind. Thanks to a variety of seating options and high and low platforms for the cats to jump on, many of the cats were able to interact with Lutz directly from her wheelchair—making the experience even more special.

As Lutz settled in, the cats wasted no time greeting her. One particularly affectionate senior cat named Squishy curled up under Lutz’s wheelchair. Three playful black-and-white kittens were immediately drawn to her. Lutz’s face lit up with joy as she stroked the fur of a kitten named Neptune, reconnecting with the comfort she had missed so dearly.

Cat cafés offer more than just cuddles—they provide therapeutic benefits that are especially meaningful for older adults:

• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Enhanced mood and decreased loneliness
• Improved physical activity and social interaction

For seniors like Sue Lutz, cat cafés offer a safe, low-maintenance way to enjoy animal companionship and rekindle joyful memories.

Lutz’s dream didn’t end with the cat cuddles. She was treated to snacks and hot cocoa at the café, followed by a surprise gift ordered by the staff at Abernethy Laurels: a custom pet pillow made in the likeness of her cat Trouble. The pillow sits proudly in her room, a soft reminder of her cherished companion.

This unforgettable experience was made possible by the EveryAge Foundation, the dedicated staff at Abernethy Laurels, and the generous support of the community. Their efforts gave Sue Lutz a memory she’ll treasure forever.

 “It was the best day I’ve had in a long time,” said Sue. “I felt like Trouble was right there with me.”

Lutz’s story is a beautiful reminder that dreams don’t have an expiration date. With compassion, creativity, and community support, even the simplest wishes—like spending time with cats—can bring profound joy and healing.