| Your new best friend |
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| Written by Marion Shoard, 2008 | |
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A pet can make a big difference to an elderly person's quality of life. Marion Shoard offers advice on choosing and caring for a suitable companion One day, June Thompson, who runs the WI country market in Dorking, Surrey, met a grey-and-white dog named Shadow. A friend asked if she would take the Border collie for walks as her elderly owner had become too arthritic to do this himself. June expected the arrangement to last for a fortnight; in fact, it was to last for four-and-a-half years, until Shadow's owner died. Asked to adopt Shadow, June did not hesitate: "The decision was an easy one. I knew what a quiet, loving dog she was." June believes that Shadow has brought her two important benefits: company and exercise. The two are inextricably linked. "I am out of the house walking with Shadow for two or three hours every day. I used to go for walks because I couldn't stand being in the house all the time. Now it's much more fun, because I speak to so many people who would have passed me by before. Today, coming through the market, a little girl wanted to stroke her." Certainly most of us would testify that being greeted by a pet when we return home, stroking it by the fireside, watching it play, taking it for a walk and getting into conversation with other pet owners are all things that can enrich our lives. Choosing a petAnybody taking on a pet has to consider the cost of feeding, insurance and vets' bills, but some of the responsibilities and challenges of pet keeping become more burdensome as we grow older - not least, vacuuming carpets strewn with moulted hair and providing exercise. Also, when you are older, the likely lifespan of the creature becomes a more significant consideration.It can be heartbreaking to think that your beloved pet will be put to sleep because you have to go into hospital or a care home, which does not accept pets, and no one can be found to look after it. So, if possible, involve your family or friends when you select a pet, on the understanding that if you are unable to care for it, they will take it on. Older people often do not want a very young animal that they will need to house-train and that may well outlive them. A reputable rescue centre is one place to acquire an older animal, such as those run by Cats Protection, the Dogs Trust, the Blue Cross, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Such centres will know the sort of environment the animal is accustomed to and try to match temperament and lifestyles. If the pet turns out to be unsuitable, a reputable centre will take it back and you can try again. Cats' relative independence also makes them a very attractive proposition for elderly people. They do not need to be exercised, and older cats are often more than happy to curl up on a lap and so provide comfort and psychological support. Small caged animals such as birds, gerbils and hamsters do not of course have to be taken out for a walk and are easily transported to somebody else if you are going on holiday. If your eyesight is poor, you still know where the animal is, although grooming may be difficult, as can retrieving a bird let out of its cage. Fish can be extremely restful and interesting to watch. Nonetheless, many people insist on a dog. Small dogs can be easier for older people to manage, but they can be very bouncy and easily tripped over. Also, small dogs tend to live longer than larger ones: terriers, for example, can live to 18 or even 20. Though large dogs may have a more manageable lifespan, it is not a good idea to have a dog that could pull you over or that you could not lift when it is unwell. Also, large dogs eat a great deal - expense and carrying the food home are considerations. Are there particular breeds that suit older people? Frail people should avoid dogs bred for working that need a great deal of physical and mental exercise, such as German shepherds, Springer spaniels and Border collies. Setters can be extremely affectionate, but they are often difficult to train, highly-strung and need a huge amount of exercise. However, every dog and every situation should be judged on its own merits. June Thompson, in her 70s, is not particularly fit, but Shadow uses up a lot of energy just galloping after her ball. Cavalier King Charles spaniels can make good pets for older people, although they may be prone to particular medical problems. Dachshunds, corgis and terriers can also make good pets, although terriers are bred for ratting, so they are quite active, and may be yappy. Shetland sheepdogs make good companions but need a lot of grooming and quite a lot of exercise. Some of the very tiny exotic breeds can also need a lot of grooming, but are very light to pick up. Whippets are very gentle, sweet-natured and quiet, and have short coats; greyhounds need surprisingly little exercise (although they can be heavy to lift). Although Labrador retrievers are large and highly demanding until about the age of six, an older Labrador can be gentle and extremely companionable. Mongrels, if they combine the good traits of the breeds from which they are derived, can make very good pets. |
