Drive-Inn Away Isolation

Isolation can lead to depression, other health issues, cognitive decline, and dementia. Pets are an excellent way to combat isolation, and they play an essential role in a person's life. They offer companionship and make people feel at ease during times of loneliness. That's why AARP Texas and the Best Friends Animal Society, a non-profit dedicated to animal rescue, are partnering in an outing sure to have you singing and dancing from the comfort of your car. 

"AARP Houston and the Best Friends Animal Society are excited to host 'Bark after Dark' as we return to in-person events," said Rosalinda Martinez, an AARP Texas Associate State Director of Outreach and Advocacy. "This partnership is meant to educate our community on ways to combat social isolation, and pets are just the perfect remedy." 

On May 4, AARP Texas and the Best Friends Animal Society will be hosting Bark After Dark. It is a way to combat isolation by helping you and your loved ones get out and socialize. This fun-filled event will be at Moonstruck Drive Inn at 100 Bringhurst St, Houston, TX 77020. There will also be adorable adoptable pets. 

"We are so excited about this creative event our team and the AARP Texas team have come up with," said Deyra Galvan, Community Outreach Coordinator for Best Friends. "[It] allows the community to come out with their families and learn more about pets in need in an open-air venue."

The Best Friends Animal Society has spent 38 years promoting pet adoption. The organization collaborates with more than 3,500 partners and community members to help save the lives of animals nationwide. 

Some partners in the Houston area include the Animal Justice League, Harris County Pets, and Scout's Honor Rescue. 

Most pet lovers spend their days nurturing their pets and making memories. Quality time includes taking walks in the park, grooming, and teaching obedience. These experiences can lift a person's spirit, which can help decrease isolation. 

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced nationwide shutdowns, which forced people to spend most of their time at home. Social interactions were heavily limited for people living alone. People spend hours quarantined inside their homes, binge-watching shows, cooking, listening to the radio, scrolling through social media, and just waiting for the next time they can interact with someone else. 

Months of little to no interaction with others led some people to experience loneliness. According to a national survey by Harvard University, 36% of Americans felt lonely regularly or "all the time" during the pandemic. 

One positive thing is that the pandemic sparked an increase in dog adoptions amongst Americans. An ASPCA study showed that about 23 million households had adopted a pet since the pandemic. 

Bark after Dark will allow families to watch the Disney movie Encanto on the big screen and enjoy sweet treats. The tickets are free, but only 200 will be available to those who register. They will also receive a complimentary concession bundle. 

The Moonstruck Drive Inn event is from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 

"We get to introduce the community to a side of Houston most might not know about and meet each other while getting to enjoy adoptable pets and a great movie," said Galvan. "We hope everyone enjoys the Texas skies, waggy tails, new friends, and having an event to enjoy with their families."

If you want to learn more about getting involved, browse the Best Friends Animal Society website. The site provides helpful information and resources about helping animals in need. You can also contact Best Friends in Houston at HoustonFoster@bestfriends.org for more information about fostering an adoptable pet. 

If you'd like to become an AARP Texas volunteer, reach out to us at aarp.org/Houston. We would love to have you serve alongside our experienced team.