By LuAnn McLain
I remember, with some humor, how shocked I was one day last summer when I wasbending over and saw my ankles. They belonged to an old woman! Today I look down at my hands and I see my mother's hands. Awareness of personal mortality comes with subtle reminders.
The pain of losing a beloved pet can go pretty deep. For some, the experience is so difficult they decide they never want to feel that anguish again, and they resolve never to own another pet.
In recent years I have begun to better understand those not wanting to experience the pain of loss again. As I age, I see that taking on a young pet, one that could easily live 15 or 20 years, means thinking seriously about making provisions for that animal should I become unable to care for it.
These are the same reasons many elderly folks don't get pets or are discouraged by their families from getting pets. There are legal ways to provide for pets after we are gone or unable to care for them, so that need not be a deterrent for most.
There are many reasons having a pet is good for us. There are special benefits for the elderly.
In LOVING AND LOSING A PET, authors Michael Stern, Ph.D., and Susan Cropper, D.V.M., have a chapter on the elderly and pets. The following ideas are taken in part from the ideas shared there.
Recovery from serious illness is quicker and in higher proportions among pet owners. Pet owners tend to take better care of themselves when they also have a pet to care for. While a person might sit alone in a cold room, the same person would turn up the heat if told the pet thrives on it.
My massage therapist commented to me that elderly people are deprived of touch. Stern and Cropper make the same observation. Family members may live distances or feel awkward about hugging and the elderly person may also be hesitant to initiate hugs.
Pets thrive on touching and being touched. The thought of living without someone (or critter) who is happy to see me each morning is pretty bleak. Affection and physical contact are important to every individual's health.
We feel safer when not alone. The comfort of a pet by or on the bed is comforting. Pets with acute hearing and vision have often been credited for alerting owners to dangers.
Older pet owners have more to talk about and are given the opportunity to focus on something other than their own aches and pains. A pet owner might skip a meal for self because it seems too much an effort to get dressed and go out to obtain the food. The hungry pet is a great motivator and elderly folks report getting up and dressed to obtain food for that pet. Dependent pets force the owners to remain active and alert.
Pets give a person social benefits. The depressed, withdrawn and isolated are often drawn out by a pet. Talking about a pet, joining a dog club, and walking a dog, just sitting outside with a pet enhances relationships and interactions with other people.
Owning a pet benefits a person's health through reduced blood pressure, fewer strokes and heart attacks, and improvements in general well being. An active, healthy creature in our lives rubs off on us in a positive way. It doesn't seem to matter what species it is.
Why would I want to deprive myself of all these benefits to avoid the pain of grieving? I like to think that the pet no longer with me would not want me to be sorrowful or lonely. In fact, I believe that beloved pet rejoices at my happiness found with a new companion.
Right now there is a very affectionate and pretty cat, about two years old, in desperate need of a loving home. She would be ideal for a single person or quiet home. She prefers laps and is definitely an indoor only kitty. She's had some hard knocks in her young life and deserves a great home of her own. If you know someone who would love the benefits of this cheerful companion, please contact me at 265-2498.
Have a great week with your companion critters. If you would like to write to Pawsitively Pets or want to talk to me about your pets, please send your note or letter to P.O. 1731, Havre, MT 59501.
