Program helps match senior dogs with senior companions

Free Adoption Program Helps Match Senior Dogs with Senior Companions

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, Dr. Goodwin and the American Brittany Rescue (ABR) 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.

“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.”

Reference: http://senior-spectrum.com

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