The Healing Power of Pets

My mom and I often talk to each other about our dogs. The pleasure they bring to us is immeasureable. When she discusses the joy and companionship Captain (Chichuaua mix) has brought her with her friends, they all say a dog is too much trouble. Yes, they are work, but the pleasure they bring and the scientifically proven benefits that occur from their mere presence, far outweighs any work.

Especially for the elderly, a pet can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, increase social interaction and physical activity and help them learn. Pets provide intangible benefits too. Pets live very much in the moment. They don't worry about tomorrow, and tomorrow can be very scary for an older person. Having an animal with that sense of now tends to rub off on people. Pets can reduce depression and lessen loneliness. Being alone can be incredibly barren and isolating for an older person, and the companionship of a pet can help fill that void.

Having a dog gives an older person a reason to get up every morning. You have to get up and take your dog out, and walk and feed him. This may sound like work, but for an older person with no one else at home, these tasks give that person responsibility, a reason to get up every day. (older people with disabilities might opt for a cat, where they still have the responsibility of feeding and loving him, but don't have to do the physical stuff). There is no greater feeling than walking in the house in the late afternoon and having your four legged friend at the door to greet you with lots of kisses and a little happy dance. Somebody loves you, somebody needs you, and somebody is waiting for you to come home. All the medicine in the world can't replace the love of a pet.

Years ago, before pet therapy was recognized for its great benefits, I had an older dog named Henry that I used to take to a convalescent hospital in Los Angeles, to visit the patients. We would come in, I would put Henry on the bed right next to the patient so they could pet him, and memories would come flooding back in some patients that hadn't talked much, or hadn't remembered much, in quite a while. It gave me such a good feeling to bring Henry there, to give these elderly men and women a chance to touch and cuddle my dog.

Yes, it's a lot of work to be a good pet owner, but for an elderly person who lives alone, the benefits far outweigh the negatives. Let's go get some of the dogs and cats out of the shelters and put at least one dog or cat in every senior living center. What a great life for the animals, and what a great addition for the senior living center. And rescue centers should not be telling perspective people that they can't adopt a dog if they're a certain age. This has happened to several people I know, including my mom. The adoption center doesn't want older people to adopt because they might die. Well anyone might die or be killed. That is ridiculous. Is it better to have an animal euthanized or spend his life in a no kill adoption center, or let him be adopted out by a senior that may live 2 years, 5 years or 10 years? I think we know the answer. Having seniors adopt unwanted dogs and cats is a win/win situation. Bringing a pet into your home, especially for a single senior, is priceless.