Taking Care of Our Fur Babies

Posted: October 4, 2021, 9:15AM

Many of us have pets, and know the joy and responsibility of having companion animals. Pets offer support for seniors and also offer much needed companionship. Caring for a pet offers a sense of purpose, and a sense of security.

We have all read about the benefits of pet ownership: lowered blood pressure, reduced anxiety, and help in fighting loneliness.

But - it's important to look at the situation before you go and get your older relative a pet!

How is your relative? How is their mobility? How are they cognitively? Can they care for a pet or do they have adequate support for pet care?

Do they WANT a pet? What pet would be best? A dog? A cat? Some people just aren't animal people!

What about housebreaking? Housebreaking a puppy is challenging. Consider an older dog that is housebroken. Cats are easily trained with litter boxes.

Will the pet have a safe, warm place to live? (Not in a dog box at the bottom of the yard.) Dogs ARE social animals!

What about finances? Pets aren't cheap. Vaccinations, spaying/neutering, grooming, check ups, food, dog tags, supplies - all need to be factored in with your pet care costs.

I wouldn't give up our boy for anything but it has been part of that journey I talked about in an earlier post. Owning a pet isn't an undertaking to be taken lightly.

But - the love and companionship they offer is worth it all. At least it is to me.