March 2007 Vol. 26. No. 3

Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.

Area Agency public hearings set March 8 and March 12
Senior tax assistance
'Tis the season - Freeman Trust helps pay for spaying and neutering
Owned by our pets
Lunches at home, rides to events, are available
Activities at the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in March

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Owned by our pets
by Danna Bates

Growing up, I was lucky to be able to have animals in my life. Animals of all kinds can improve the quality of our lives. Now my husband, Gary, and I are owned by three dogs. On many occasions we have said that if we had it to do all over again, all of our children would have four legs. Pets are much easier to raise and train. They do not have mood swings, do not talk back or ask for money while calling collect. Pets are loyal, lovable and adore you unconditionally. An animal's acceptance is nonjudgmental, forgiving and uncomplicated by psychological games. They never try to change you or care about what you look like - they think you are great just the way you are.

Recent studies have shown that seniors who own pets live longer, are healthier and have more enjoyable lives than their pet-less counterparts. When petting an animal your blood pressure, heart rate and temperature decrease.

The unconditional love pets give can be important to someone who doesn't have any family or close friends. Social isolation can lead to severe depression, which is one of the most common medical problems that seniors face.

Just knowing that you have a pet to care for can be a reason to get up in the morning. Having a pet can help you get more physical exercise. Brushing your dog or cat can benefit your cardiovascular system and help keep your joints limber and flexible. Both the senior and the pet can benefit from getting out in the fresh air for a walk. Pets also have a way of making their owners keep a regular schedule. No matter what your age, the curious and funny antics that animals pull will make even the hardest of hearts smile.

I questioned many seniors about why they had pets or why not. The answers I received not only surprised me, but saddened me as well.

The number one reason I was told that they did not have pets was that they could not afford them. They said that it was hard enough to pay their own medical bills, let alone pay for a pet's vet care. Some who rent said that they were unable to pay required pet deposits.

Others said that as much as they would love to have an animal, they were worried about what would happen to their animal if something happened to them.

Seniors I interviewed who had pets said that they are having a hard time paying for needed vaccinations, heartworm and flea medications. For this reason I talked to several of the local animal foundations about starting a senior pet project. The goal will be to help assist with the cost of vaccinations, medications and perhaps provide healthy food for those on low incomes.

The biggest problem will be finding funding and volunteers able to provide these services. I feel these obstacles can be overcome if we work together. If you would like to be a recipient or a sponsor with this project please contact the McKinleyville Senior Center at 839-0191. We will be forming a group to try and address this need.

Danna Bates is director of the McKinleyville Senior Center. Her e-mail is dbates@humboldt1.com.