If you're reading this no one needs to
tell you about the benefits of owning a pet. You know a companion is good medicine and
adds to your quality of life. You play, laugh, exercise, relax and touch your
friend and even meet new people because you are owned by a pet. Physical and mental health benefits make
you feel and act younger and stay fitter.
But you still worry about your pet's
health and your own. What if you need help caring for your best friend? That
concern can come at any age, but bothers owners more often when mobility,
financial, and lifestyle changes affect day to day activities. Older owners are
more apt to fear the growing cost of pet care, health issues, and pets prohibited where they need to live.
If you are choosing a new pet, take advice from experts and shelters to wisely select a pet that fits your present and future living arrangements. Size, grooming needs, age, and energy level requirements, even allergies need to be considered.
Assuming you already have a pet, more and more services are available to
help you both. Mobile vets, groomers, dog walkers or local teens (usually girls
who adore pets), even pooper scooper
services can come to you. You may order food and supplies by phone, online, and
request home delivery. In some areas pet taxis help you get your pet to caregivers’ services. Travelers find it
easier to find pet friendly transportation, hotels, and B & Bs than in the
past. Some boarding kennels offer senior discounts.
When finances are tight, ask pet supply
stores and veterinarians about senior discounts. Veterinary insurance may help
with unanticipated costs or payment plans for needed treatments. Food banks
provide pet food for owners with limited
funds. No-cost or low-cost spay and neuter is available in some areas.
Some hospitals offers programs for
inpatients who have no alternatives for pet care. You may be eligible for
assistance from volunteers or local facilities. Volunteer caregivers
groups provide assistance to older adults living without family or
friends, providing emergency pet walking/grooming, transportation to vet
appointments, feeding, and more, including pet food and supplies and pet
boarding due to hospitalizations. Regional councils on aging may be able to help
with housing issues.
Some pet lovers who can't afford the cost of
ownership volunteer at shelters, foster pets waiting for forever homes, or pet sit.
More and more services are available to
both older pets and their owners. Ask your veterinarian, local
shelter, rescue group, or supplier what help is available in your area. Be
creative to find the services that keep you and your pet happy and healthy.
~~~
Amber
Polo is the
author of the award-winning The Shapeshifters’ Library series (Released, Retrieved, Recovered, and Reprinted), an canine cozy fantasy filled with books, librarians,
dogs and a library everyone will love.
In addition to her award-winning fantasy and Arizona romance novels, she wrote Relaxing the Writer to offer tips to help writers and readers relax.
After living in seven states, she happily calls a
small town in Arizona home. To learn more about her books and read excerpts,
visit her website and find her on Facebook and The Shapeshifters’ Library
Facebook page filled
with lots of dogs. E-mail her at
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