Bringing the Animal Kingdom Home

Nancy never guessed what would happen when she rescued Roxie, a small mixed-breed dog who has lots of energy but who also likes lots of cuddling. Nancy is 56 years old, and her father is 87. At first, Nancy wanted the dog for herself, to calm her from the stress of 24-hour caregiving. “I also thought having a dog would help me walk more,” she says. To her surprise, the dog has enlivened both hers and her father’s lives. “She gives my dad his share of laptime and later sleeps on my bed,” she says. “My dad, who hated walking because of his hip and knee, actually walks the dog with me!”

Three months after being rescued, Roxie underwent dental surgery, which required an overnight stay at the veterinary hospital. “The night we came home without her, we realized just how much Roxie has changed our home and our lives,” says Nancy. “The atmosphere at home was dark and empty. It was as though the light and life were gone. We both instantly understood just what a miracle Roxie has been for us.” Nancy and her family are grateful they rescued Roxie on her last day of shelter life. “She was found running the streets, half-starved and sick. But this precious dog soon became our angel.”

Emotional Comfort and Enhanced Health

Pets are often an important aspect of the social support network for many people. Friendship, emotional comfort, and enhanced health are among the benefits of pet ownership. Pets can provide affection and unconditional love. Seniors who own a pet often become more active, take better care of themselves, are less lonely, and have enhanced social opportunities. Health benefits of pet ownership include lower blood pressure and pulse rate, along with fewer doctor visits and a heightened sense of security. Pets provide a regular routine and responsibility. The physical contact of a pet is also soothing and calming. People-oriented pets, such as cats and dogs, bring families closer together and help reduce household tension. Studies show that families with pets spend more family time playing with the pet and have fewer family arguments.

Helping Hearts

A 1980 clinical research project from Brooklyn College, New York, followed heart disease patients after their release from the hospital. The study included their medical histories, families, and lifestyles. Surprisingly, the presence of a pet was the strongest social predictor of survival for all of the patients, independent of marital status and access to social support from human beings. Research indicates that having a pet decreases the heart attack mortality rate by about 3 percent. Since approximately one million people die of heart disease each year, based on this finding, animal companionship may save 30,000 lives annually.

Choosing the Best Pet

Because people age very differently, considering a person’s individual needs can help a senior to choose the right pet. For example, a person who doesn’t like change and who has never owned a pet before may not enjoy a pet. While some seniors may be more adaptable than others, Amy Sherman, a licensed therapist and author, thinks it's best if the elderly person is an experienced pet owner. Yet, as in the story of Nancy, her father, and Roxie, a first experience with a dog can be an extremely positive one for some seniors.

The energy level and health history of the animal are also important when choosing to adopt a dog as a pet. If you choose an adult dog, you are more likely to get an accurate idea of the dog’s temperament and medical history. For a pet owner with physical challenges, cats or indoor birds require less maintenance than dogs. For a senior who is confirmed dog lover, a small paper-trained dog may be a possibility.

Pets Are as Unique as People

While you may think a small dog may require less maintenance, some small dogs are very high-energy and demand a lot of attention. While an older dog is likely to be calmer, if it is too old, it may get sick. Sometimes typical descriptions of a certain kind of pet may apply, but part of the fun of getting to know your new pet is discovering aspects of its personality that emerge after a bit of time has passed.

Maddie had always heard that cats aren’t as personable as dogs. Yet when a stray tabby found its way into her garage, the adult cat practically begged her to pick it up and hold it. Months later, the cat she named Lynx has proven to be a highly-affectionate, comforting, and low-maintenance companion. Another pet owner, Carol, had always thought that dogs were somewhat scruffy and didn’t mind dirt and grime. After her regular jogging session, she laughed in surprise to discover that her new dog, Lucy, wasn’t willing to be petted until she herself had showered and was no longer sweaty.

Take Time to Adjust

When you do bring a new dog home, remember that he or she will require some time to adjust to you and your environment. Amy, a new pet owner, naively rescued Sam, a small Maltese. For the first few days, Sam didn’t bark and backed away at the idea of being petted. Amy wondered if Sam was just scared or possibly didn’t have a voice. Now, a few months later, Sam happily barks at the mailman, practically lives on Amy’s lap, doesn’t mind when the groomer puts bows in her hair, and always sleeps on the bed with Amy’s daughter at night.

Finding Matches and Reducing Costs

While breeders and pet stores are sources for finding an animal friend, some shelters offer lower-cost options, along with the prospect of saving an animal’s life. Shelter staff members may know about a pet’s temperament and history and may be willing to assist in finding a match for a senior seeking a pet. Purina Pets for Seniors has a nationwide agreement with over 200 shelters to offer reduced costs to seniors seeking a pet.[1] Local animal organizations and some veterinarians also often discount possibilities and special offers for seniors. For example, the Humane Society shelter in Murray, UT offers older cats free to seniors. No matter where you get your pet, you may want to consider having it examined by a veterinarian before you decide to keep it.

Assuring a Pet’s Future

In case a senior needs to be rushed to the hospital, it’s important that others know that he or she has a pet, so that the pet will receive continuing care. A senior also may want to consider naming a caregiver and providing for a pet in a will, so that the pet will hopefully have a secure future after its owner passes on. 

Constant Companions

Everyone needs to feel needed and to have something to care for. In addition to providing medical benefits, animals help seniors psychologically and socially. Seniors often feel better emotionally and physically after adding a pet to their family. While other people may come and go, a pet can be a constant companion.

By Carolyn Campbell

[1] Learn more at www.petsforpeople.com.