If your loved one has been lonely and thinking about purchasing a pet companion, why not talk to him about adopting a dog from a local shelter? October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Finding a companion from a shelter will not only bring joy to your loved one but also rescue a pet that no longer has someone to care for it.
Adopting a dog from a shelter provides some great perks in that most shelters make sure the pets they are putting out for adoption are fully vaccinated, healthy, and safe from any type of flea or other infestation. They know a bit of the history of the pet, so they can share with your loved one about what this pet generally likes and doesn’t like. Pets that are adopted from shelters are often older so your loved one can get a dog that is already house-trained, kennel-trained, and ready to become a part of your loved one’s family.
The health benefits of pet ownership are wonderful for seniors as well.
Feeling Needed
Sometimes elderly people begin to wonder who needs them in this world anymore. Adopting a pet gives your loved one purpose and responsibility. He’ll know that his dog needs him and your loved one can take pride in taking him for his daily walk or brushing his coat. If your loved one needs a bit of help caring for his pet, he can ask his home care provider to help with baths and even longer walks on days he can’t make it. Your loved one still gets the perk of purpose when owning a pet even if he doesn’t take care of all of the duties.
Getting Exercise
Even small dogs need a bit of exercise each day. A dog might be just the incentive your loved one needs to get off the couch and go outside. When he walks the dog alone or with his home care provider, getting some sunshine and movement in will improve his health.
Feeling Protected
While a little ball of fluff may not be a big threat, there is still a sense of security in having a dog around. His barking alone can scare off intruders and help your loved one sleep better knowing Fluffy will alert him if anything happens at night.
Reducing Stress
Simply petting a dog can reduce stress. That feeling of a companion by your side, pressing into you can slow a racing heart or help calm anxiety.
Making New Friends
If your loved one feels lonely, he might find that going to the pet park with his dog and home care provider can help him make new friends and develop deeper relationships with the neighbors. These connections help your loved one to feel less isolated and alone when his home care provider is not around.
Adopting a pet is a serious consideration and your loved one should do some research before he adopts, but if he finds it’s a good fit with his life, he might be surprised by all of the benefits of pet ownership.
