Pet parents

Pardon the pun, but has this newspaper “gone to the dogs (and cats)?” In its last two editions, the following articles appeared: an editorial about the editor’s own dog, a Sun City couple’s birthday bash, and an Elgin polo match, both to collect money for animal shelters, and a plea by another resident for a Sun City-use only dog park. Indeed, many of us believe that dogs and cats are our best friends, as our pets continue to give us loyalty and unconditional love.

If you don’t currently own a furry friend or friends, or are thinking of adding to your pet collection, now is the time to do so! Since the recession, more pets than ever are being brought to local animal shelters because their own owners can no longer afford to keep them. Tragically, about one half of the six million to eight million animals that go into shelters every year end up euthanized. Senior foster or permanent owners are being sought, since shelters often won’t place pets with small children.

We as seniors can reap a multitude of health benefits by sharing in this incredible partnership! One research study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (May, 1999) demonstrated that independently living seniors with pets tend to have better physical health and mental well-being than those without pets. These seniors are generally more active and cope better with stress. How does your animal accomplish these health benefits for you? (1) Dogs need walking; cats need fresh kitty litter; they both need fresh water and food, grooming, play, and petting time. All of these duties involve movement that helps your cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. (2) Pets may also aid seniors simply by providing some physical contact. Studies have shown that when people pet animals, their blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature decrease. (3) Animal friends are an excellent source of companionship. They can act as a support system for older people disconnected from their own family or close human friends, especially for seniors who live alone. (4) This social interaction in turn will help prevent seniors from developing depression, a huge medical problem for the elderly. (5) The JAGS study (mentioned above) showed that people with dogs and cats were better able to remain emotionally stable during a crisis through an increased self-esteem gained from their animal. (6) The responsibility of caring for a furry friend helps seniors develop a daily, regular routine of getting up in the morning, going outside, buying groceries, and taking care of their pet’s needs, which leads to better eating and sleeping habits. Seniors now have a goal to take better care of their own welfare.

If you have chosen to become either a foster or a permanent “parent” to a furry companion, four questions need to be answered: (1) How healthy and active are you? A large dog will require more activity than a small dog; a cat can remain indoors and will sleep many more hours than a dog. (2) What age animal is best to adopt? Generally speaking, an older animal (a small dog over age six, a large dog over age three, and an adult cat over age three) will not need as much training or energy to take care of it. According to Dr. Joseph M. Frost, Rockford veterinarian, “Most reputable kennels will have only the friendliest, healthiest adoptable dogs and cats available [at your request]. Usually for $150 or less, which would be lower than the cost of the animal’s first doctor’s visit, a vet will check out the animal, give it a flea shot and other vaccinations, neuter or spay it, and provide a heartworm test [before you purchase it].” (3) Can you afford the financial demands of caring for a pet? Becoming a foster “parent” might become one option. Some local counties, shelters, animal organizations, and clinics provide pet food pantries often sponsored by public donations. These pantries are available to the foster “parent” and sometimes to the “parent” who adopts, as well. Most professionals in the animal field understand how important pets are to seniors; they may offer low-cost services and supplies to the elderly. (4) Will you provide future ownership for your pet in case of a change in your own life circumstance? A will or living trust can also fulfill your vision to help needy animals.

The last animals to be adopted in all kennels are black in color, largely because of old, untrue superstitions. However, ask Dr. Frost what animal he enjoys as his pet, and his answer is, “My older black lab with arthritis.”

His veterinary assistant, Susan Brunat, quickly answers, “I have a young black pit bull and an older black cat who are both incredibly mellow with each other and with my family.”

In fact, because they lack the “alpha” personality, black furred animals are wonderfully docile and are frequently adopted into multiple pet households and as replacements for black pets who have died. Who knows “Spooky” might become a part of your future just in time for Halloween!

If animal adoption or becoming a foster animal “parent” is not in your foreseeable future, do consider many of the same health benefits gained by becoming an animal shelter volunteer. Local shelters in Huntley, Crystal Lake, and Elgin are in much need of help. Please check out their locations.

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