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Spectrum
Staff
Over
the past decade, several studies have shown that dogs can have a healthy impact
on their human companions — including helping to lower blood pressure
and stress levels. Seniors in particular have been shown to have healthier,
more active lifestyles when they have a pet — especially dog owners.
“With the many physical and emotional changes that accompany the aging
process, seniors often experience loneliness or depression, which may contribute
to physical complications,” says Jim Goodwin, M.D., member of the American
Geriatrics Society (AGS).
“When aging adults interact with animals, whether it is a therapeutic dog
trained to visit patients in a hospital or a pet in someone’s home, the
results are astounding. Not only is there a significant difference in the physical
health of dog owners because they walk and play with an animal, but there is
a noticeable improvement in their emotional health.”
To help seniors take advantage of the companionship and health benefits a canine
pal can offer, the American Brittany Rescue (ABR) recently started a Senior Companions
program, which waives the usual $250 adoption fee to adopters over the age of
65 when they adopt a senior Brittany age eight or older.
“Each year the ABR takes in hundreds of senior Brittanys and works hard
to match these senior canines with their senior human partner,” says Rhonda
Carlson, president of the ABR. “As a result of the Senior Companion program,
many senior canines will have a better chance of being placed in a loving home.”
One such partnership is Joan Murray, a 78-year-old avid pet lover who always
had many pets, which included her dog, cats and even squirrels. After Joan’s
dog passed, she looked into the possibility of adopting another. Although Joan’s
friends advised her not to take in another dog because of her age, she decided
to adopt through the Senior Companions program.
The program matched Joan with Ben — a calm, happy dog that she says brings
her the joy she was missing. “When I first met Ben, I knew he was perfect
for me,” she said. “He needed to be loved, and I needed something
to love.”
Joan adds, “Having to care for Ben gives me something to focus on aside
from my own aches and pains, and he always has a way of making me smile.”
Three years ago, Dr. Goodwin, a long-time believer in the health benefits of
animals, began bringing Tilly, a cocker spaniel mix, to visit his patients at
the University of Texas in Galveston ACE unit (Acute Care for the Elderly).
Once Tilly started visiting the patients, he noticed an enormous difference among
patients who were withdrawn, cognitively impaired and deeply depressed. “It’s
really remarkable — a little nuzzling from Tilly brings some of these patients
back to life.”
Dr. Goodwin and the AGS suggest aging adults utilize local animal rescue programs
that specialize in pairing aging adults with senior dogs. Many animal rescue
shelters have programs in place that will waive fees when senior citizens choose
to adopt older dogs.
For more information on the American Brittany Rescue or the Senior Companions
program, visit www.americanbrittanyrescue.org.
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Metropolitan News Company, Inc.
