The love and companionship of a pet have enriched my life in many ways. I’ve gone from thinking one would ruin it to knowing firsthand that having a furry friend or family member can be significant—not only for seniors.
My mother (93) keeps saying she wants a dog, which she knows is not possible, given her age and frailty. I retire next month and am considering finding a dog that would be a good therapy dog. The complicating factor is our 18-year-old cat. I’m not sure she’d like having a dog in the house. And my husband would definitely need to be trained. Otherwise we’ll end up with an ill-mannered dog.
I live in the UK. I’ve had dogs and cats for 48 years since I had a home of my own. I’ve just had dogs for the last 15 years or so. For over 30 years I’ve had rescue dogs instead of the pedigree Old English Sheepdogs and Bearded Collies I used to have. My oldest was a Beardie of 11 1/2 years who’d been used for breeding. She had 3 1/2 happy years with me. I currently have two retired racing greyhounds. I also foster dogs looking for permanent homes. Animals have enriched my life beyond measure.
For 8 years I’ve been a volunteer dog walker for the Cinnamon Trust so that the elderly and terminally ill can keep their pets with them in their own home. I’ve also walked a dog for a resident in a care home which allowed dogs. It’s really rewarding.
I so agree with you about the benefits of keeping animals. Just on the health side I’m a fit and healthy 73 year old. I walk for at least 2 hours a day with my own and other people’s dogs. However it’s the spiritual side that I love most … valued four-legged family members who always make me feel good about life.
Hi Jane, How interesting. I had a reader ask yesterday about a service that allows the elderly and terminally ill to keep their pets at home with them. I will tell her about the Cinnamon Trust - maybe they have something like that in her area.
Lovely thoughts for the holiday season, Janice. Our pets fill a space in our lives that other wise might stand empty. They certainly give us affection -- and sometimes a reason to get up in the morning!
We recently lost our beloved cat. I don't know if we'll get another one because she set the bar so high❤️ as the best cat that ever lived (aside from yours Janice!). Our last rescue dog was a handful though so, the way I see it, if we get another dog the chances are higher we would find one that suits us better. I know that's not a rational line of thought but....I'm on the lookout for a dog!
Hi Donna, Losing our beloved pets is so tough. We walked into the room at the pet rescue six years ago. Dan immediately went to the little black one sitting on the floor, but a tortie cat was sitting on the window sill, and she was definitely speaking to me. We went home with two cats.
The love and companionship of a pet have enriched my life in many ways. I’ve gone from thinking one would ruin it to knowing firsthand that having a furry friend or family member can be significant—not only for seniors.
My mother (93) keeps saying she wants a dog, which she knows is not possible, given her age and frailty. I retire next month and am considering finding a dog that would be a good therapy dog. The complicating factor is our 18-year-old cat. I’m not sure she’d like having a dog in the house. And my husband would definitely need to be trained. Otherwise we’ll end up with an ill-mannered dog.
Hi Teri, What about a mechanical therapy dog? I bought one for my husband, and it became his best friend. Here's a link you might find helpful: https://www.amazon.com/Ageless-Innovation-Companion-Lifelike-Realistic/dp/B01L9B5JYU/ref=sr_1_2?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.JiykW2I2LhEFA2.
I'm right there with you Janice!
I live in the UK. I’ve had dogs and cats for 48 years since I had a home of my own. I’ve just had dogs for the last 15 years or so. For over 30 years I’ve had rescue dogs instead of the pedigree Old English Sheepdogs and Bearded Collies I used to have. My oldest was a Beardie of 11 1/2 years who’d been used for breeding. She had 3 1/2 happy years with me. I currently have two retired racing greyhounds. I also foster dogs looking for permanent homes. Animals have enriched my life beyond measure.
For 8 years I’ve been a volunteer dog walker for the Cinnamon Trust so that the elderly and terminally ill can keep their pets with them in their own home. I’ve also walked a dog for a resident in a care home which allowed dogs. It’s really rewarding.
I so agree with you about the benefits of keeping animals. Just on the health side I’m a fit and healthy 73 year old. I walk for at least 2 hours a day with my own and other people’s dogs. However it’s the spiritual side that I love most … valued four-legged family members who always make me feel good about life.
Hi Jane, How interesting. I had a reader ask yesterday about a service that allows the elderly and terminally ill to keep their pets at home with them. I will tell her about the Cinnamon Trust - maybe they have something like that in her area.
We are always looking for more volunteer walkers if that could be publicised too. The Trust do wonderful work.
Lovely thoughts for the holiday season, Janice. Our pets fill a space in our lives that other wise might stand empty. They certainly give us affection -- and sometimes a reason to get up in the morning!
Hi Sharron, So very true.
We recently lost our beloved cat. I don't know if we'll get another one because she set the bar so high❤️ as the best cat that ever lived (aside from yours Janice!). Our last rescue dog was a handful though so, the way I see it, if we get another dog the chances are higher we would find one that suits us better. I know that's not a rational line of thought but....I'm on the lookout for a dog!
Hi Donna, Losing our beloved pets is so tough. We walked into the room at the pet rescue six years ago. Dan immediately went to the little black one sitting on the floor, but a tortie cat was sitting on the window sill, and she was definitely speaking to me. We went home with two cats.
My sweet old mother used to say that if you can't decide which hat to buy, buy them both. Makes sense to me.
I totally agree with your mother.
Yes, I thought you would.