- Please Vote For "Second Chance Animal Shelter", East Brookfield Ma. At The Animal Rescue Site Its Easy, & Only Takes A Minute. Just Click The Banner Above. Thank You Very Much!
Pets Help Others Through Association
It has been known for many years that pets’ interactions with senior citizens can help bring joy into their lives that may have been missing. As we age, lots of things change; some of those things aren’t necessarily for the better. Many senior citizens can find themselves alone. Our bodies can become more restrictive of movement and use. Our minds can suffer, as well, from dementia and the inability to recall names, numbers, and even some of our fondest memories. Being able to experience the love of a relationship with an animal can help ease the pain and sorrows of those times.
An animal companion, even for a short while as many programs offer to nursing homes, can be a tremendous boost to a person’s morale and spirits. The unconditional love supplied by a cat, dog, or other living animal can work wonders for an aging person’s mental state and overall health condition, supplementing what a physician can only do with pills and physical therapies.
As well as providing love and companionship for seniors living in elder care facilities, animal programs have also been proven successful at jails and juvenile justice centers. The idea is for the program to be rewarding to both human and animal. The animals should receive love and attention in return for their unconditional love and time given to others.
Pets and At-Risk Kids
Living accommodations provided to at-risk kids and those who have gotten in trouble with the law near Detroit, Michigan can find respite in helping dogs learn the basics of obedience. Thanks to Macomb County’s animal shelter and a nonprofit organization, known as Teacher’s Pet, dogs and kids get the opportunity to interact, hopefully contributing something to each other. Those responsible for guiding the efforts of the program state that they have seen a noticeable change in the attitude of the kids involved.
Prison Dogs
One program called Safe Harbor originated in 2004 in Kansas. The volunteers obtain unwanted dogs from high-kill shelters in the Midwest region and take them to the Lansing Correctional Facility. The group has trained approximately 100 inmates to care for and foster the dogs. Many times, these dogs need to learn socialization skills, as well as the basic obedience commands. The interaction between prisoners and dogs has contributed greatly to both. Training the dogs gives the prisoners something useful to do and can bring them a huge sense of accomplishment and pride. The dogs get the love and attention they need to re-focus on the ability to live in a home.
Senior Citizens/Mature Pets
Senior citizens and older, mature pets can especially enjoy a beneficial cohabitation. Younger cats and dogs may have a little more energy and require a deeper commitment of physical engagement than an elderly person might be able to provide. When discussing animals needing new homes, the majority of the time older animals get left out, as kittens and puppies seem to be the preferred adoption choice. A wonderful solution for these older animals is to allow them to be placed with senior citizens. It can provide an extremely beneficial relationship for both parties.
Similarly, programs are available in some areas that encourage pet owners to take their four-legged companions visiting in hospitals, especially cancer or pediatric wards, and children’s shelters.
All pet caregivers need to remember that animals need to be properly cared for. They need to be kept warm in the winter months and cool in summer months. Proper food, water, and shelter are required for their comfort and well-being.
Sherry J. Irvin, staff writer for Unreel Media
Mail this postPopularity: 31% [?]
comments
Leave a Reply
Stop Puppy Mills Now!
-
