For years, Frank spent his mornings at the local dog park with his much-loved sausage dogs – all three of them.
He’d wander through the park, chatting to fellow dog owners, checking in on their lives, remembering birthdays. He was quick with a smile and always offering lemons from the overflowing tree in his front yard.
Everyone at the park knew Frank. They knew he lived alone. They knew he didn’t have close family. And they knew his house was just behind the park – the one with the big lemon tree out the front.
Frank was a much-loved part of the dog park community. You get to know people well when you see them every morning – rain, hail, or shine.
Then one morning, Frank wasn’t there.
The regulars noticed right away. He hadn’t mentioned going away or any changes to his routine.
Day three… still no Frank.
Day five… concern grew.
By the end of the second week, a small group had gathered, worried. No one had his number, but they agreed someone needed to check on him.
Aleshia volunteered to walk past his house. When she arrived, she noticed the community nurse’s car in the driveway and her concern deepened.
Frank had taken a nasty fall and broken his ankle in two places. With limited mobility and upper body strength, he was now confined to a wheelchair or bed. He was relying on community nursing and Meals on Wheels just to get by – and recovery was expected to take months.
When the nurse answered the door, she was visibly relieved. Frank had told the entire care team that he was completely alone. That he had no one who could help.
But Aleshia and the others knew that wasn’t true.
They were his people.
His community.
And they were here to help.
That same day, they created a Gather My Crew account and set up three months of coordinated support – not just for Frank, but for his beloved dogs too.
Meals, shopping, dog walking, companionship – all shared among an initial group of 11 concerned park-goers.
Word spread. More familiar faces joined in… and before long, Frank’s support crew had grown to 27.
27 amazing people looked after Frank until he was well enough to get back on his feet and back to the dog park.
And he thought he was all alone…
People are incredible ❤
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