FUR BABIES AND OTHER PETS
Song- Lobo ‘Me and you and a dog named BOO’
I live close to a walking track. Many people use the track to walk their dogs. I have observed the people who walk dogs and the vast majority are seniors.
Pets can have a significant and fulfilling role in the life of a senior.
I thought about the type of pets many of the people I know own. By far, the most common are dogs, small to medium in size. Cats definitely come in second then birds and gold fish. However, some less common pets include donkeys, horses, hens, goats and reptiles.
For myself I would love to have hens. They are interesting to watch, are a great way to recycle food scraps and reward you with fresh eggs. Unfortunately I don’t have the space for hens so I guess I would have to settle for an inside cat or a small dog.
I have researched using Gemini AI the positive impacts of seniors having pets. These include:
- Pets can provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment by looking after the long term and daily needs of a pet.
- Pets can aid in improving physical activity – walking dogs, riding horses/donkeys, cleaning pet areas/stables, playing games with pets.
- Having a pet can minimise feelings of isolation, loneliness and depression.
- Having pets can have health benefits such as reducing anxiety and stress, reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels and has been shown to lead to less visits to the doctor.
- Companion pets which are most likely dogs or cats provide an enduring and close emotional bond between owners and their pets.
- Pets can also provide a social outlet. Many people meet up in groups with their dogs in designated dog parks or become involved in pet shows or pet groups.
There can also be significant negative impacts of owning a pet. These include:
- A profound feeling of grief and loss when a pet needs to be euthanised or dies.
- The cost of keeping a pet can be significant with food, veterinary bills and fences/enclosures to keep pets safe.
- The need to have a reliable friend/relative who can care for your pet if you become ill or want to travel.
- The need to have someone who can care for your pet/s if you pre decease your pet.
At the present time I have 4 goldfish. I am lucky to have family and friends with birds, cats and dogs that I can interact with when I visit.
It is possible to foster a pet if you are not sure if you are ready to have a pet long term. Local vets, animal shelters and rescue shelters provide foster pets, or you could pet sit for a friend, family member or neighbour. This could give you a sense of what is involved in having a pet and if it fits in with your particular environment and life style.
If having a pet will aid in keeping me healthy on the road to becoming a centenarian I will definitely have other pets in the future. Perhaps my desire of having a few hens or a rag doll cat or a small dog could come to fruition!
Till next time – ‘Keep on rocking and Rolling’
Kim.