Getting older gracefully with a four-legged friend

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PET ADOPTIONS

BENEFITS OF PETS

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Junior Nesbitt of Smyrna found his Princess, and she’s a real cuddler.

The 81-year-old widower was looking for companionship after the passing of his wife, Lois, late last year. They had been married for almost 61 years. He needed someone to fill the void, someone to look after, talk to and help ease the loneliness and grief.

Princess, a 2-year-old Chihuahua mix adopted from the Cobb County Animal Shelter, proved to be the perfect match.

“She loves him and stays right with him, follows him wherever he goes,” said daughter Janet Vineyard of Powder Springs. “When he’s sitting down, she’s either in his lap or right next to him. She gives him someone to talk to so he’s not so lonely.”

Having a pet does stave off the loneliness and solitude often experienced by the elderly, according to studies by the National Institutes of Health. There are other benefits, too, such as better health measures in blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and more opportunities for physical activity, especially outdoors, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Pets also make you happy.

Lisa Bass, outreach director at the nonprofit cat rescue Good Mews, sees it when groups of senior adults come to visit the Marietta shelter. Within minutes of sitting down, they’re happily stroking a purring kitty.

“Just by having that furry creature in their lap, you can see the joy,” Bass said.

Volunteers from Good Mews, Cobb County Animal Control and PAWSitive Supporters, a nonprofit that raises money to help homeless dogs in Cobb County, will address the benefits of pets for seniors at a free seminar, "Love an Animal, Live Longer: Aging Gracefully With Four-Legged Friends," from 1-2 p.m. June 7 at the East Cobb Senior Center.

Dogs and cats up for adoption come already spayed or neutered, and microchipped so they can be found if lost. And shelters are usually filled with older dogs and cats, which make ideal pets for seniors, say rescue volunteers. Dogs and cats age 7 and older usually require less work. They’re housebroken, calmer and have a personality that’s already set. “You know what you’re getting,” Bass said.

A puppy, on the other hand, is probably not a good choice. Volunteers with the Atlanta Humane Society spread a lot of cheer when they bring puppies to visit nursing homes and other senior communities. Puppies are cute, like to snuggle and are easy to transport. But having one of your own can be a lot of work, said Humane Society Marketing Manager Wendy Hsiao.

“A lot of puppies grow up to be big dogs,” Hsiao said. “Also, they get tired easily and want to bite everything.”

PAWSitive volunteer Fran Jackson said the best match is the pet that matches your life situation.

Are you active and want a four-legged companion to accompany you on walks? Or, are you a couch potato and just want a pet to curl up with you while watching TV or reading?

Some other considerations posed by Jackson: Do you have a fenced yard for a big dog who needs lots of exercise? Do you have stairs? Small dogs with short legs and long bodies — like a dachshund — have trouble going up and down stairs, especially when they age. Looking for a small house dog? Remember they have small bladders and need to be taken out more often.

“You need to consider the age of the pet, consider the breed and what it requires,” Jackson said.

Another pet consideration for senior adults is estate planning: Who’s going to take care of the animal if you pass away?

Many of these pets wind up in animal shelters, Jackson said. Seniors should plan ahead by asking family members, friends or even neighbors to take over the care of their pets if something should happen to them.