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Tom Grady: Finding the right animal companion in your twilight years Comment By Tom Grady StarNews Online MailTribune.com By Tom Grady StarNews Online Posted Apr. 15, 2015 at 9:29 AM By Tom Grady StarNews Online Posted Apr. 15, 2015 at 9:29 AM » Social News The companionship of a pet can be comforting and therapeutic for people in their advanced years of life. But selecting the right pet is important in ensuring the process is as worry free as possible. One suggestion Laurie Parish, DVM of Atlantic Animal Hospital in Wilmington, North Carolina, offers is matching up an older pet with an older client. “There are lots of older pets available for adoption,” Parish said. “They just want to have a nice couch to lay on or a nice lap to lay on and have someone to pet them. “And it’s actually a pretty great fit, because a lot of younger families want to adopt a puppy or want to adopt a kitten.” She concurs with trainer Beth Shepherd in stating the energy level of the pet and the guardian should be taken into consideration. “I have clients that are in their 70s that have Australian shepherds,” Shepherd said. “I really think it’s the energy level of the person and not necessarily the breed of the dog. Shepherd, the owner of Salty Dogs Training who operates out of Paw Beach Pet Resort, notes cats make great companions for the elderly and can even be trained to come and fetch. “They’re low-maintenance,” she said. “They have great personalities. They’re a great source of entertainment.” In consulting with a rescue group or shelter, those looking to adopt can obtain information about specific options and the behaviors of selected pets. “We encourage people to tell us exactly what they’re looking for,” said Peggy Durso, a board member and secretary for Wilmington’s Paws Place Dog Rescue. “We’re going to try to show them dogs we think might be more suited for them. And that goes for all people; for everybody that we adopt to, actually.” She explained that older people need to ask themselves if they can handle a bigger dog, even it’s one that’s well-trained. At times she said she might suggest the person go to a breed-specific rescue group if they have narrowed their search to various parameters. “Sometimes people might want to take a dog in on a trial basis, to see how it dog works for them,” Durso said. “For older people sometimes I think that would be a good idea. “Because they’re likely to have the type of dog that they’re interested in and one that would also be house-trained.” Parish also recommends spending time with the pet you are considering adopting, even for an overnight visit. “You definitely need to match the personalities and what you want out of a pet,” she said. “And make sure it’s the right fit for you.” But it is also important to plan for the care of the pet should the guardian face hospitalization or hospice care. “I think it’s very important to have a caretaker in place if something happens,” Shepherd said, including a relationship with a boarding kennel or family member or friend. Atlantic Animal Hospital has clients who have taken in the pets of family members when the need arose. “My veterinary instructors used to always say, ‘Old age is not a disease’,” Parish said. “So I’m sure an elderly person would agree with that. Just because you’re older doesn’t mean you don’t have a lot of healthy living ahead of you.” Tom Grady writes for StarNews in Wilmington, N.C. By Tom Grady StarNews Online MailTribune.com By Tom Grady StarNews Online Posted Apr. 15, 2015 at 9:29 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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