May is officially Older Americans Month, when older citizens' contributions to our nation are honored, and issues that directly relate to them are highlighted. The observance of this special month has coincided with the arrival at the San Francisco SPCA Maddie's Pet Adoption Center of two delightful senior dogs, Holly and Barbie. Maddie's has also become the temporary home for a wonderful pair of bonded senior cats, Binkys and Linkys.
Binkys, an orange/white tabby, and Linkys, a blue/white tabby, were adopted together as kittens and are now 7-years old. Holly is a 12-year old gray poodle who was a working Hearing Dog until her human companion passed away. Barbie is a 10-year old blonde Pekinese whose provenance is unknown. What is known about all these animals is that age has not diminished the vast amounts of love they have to offer.
These older animals have focused my thoughts on how similar the aging experience can be for humans and animals. Like many humans, these four animals have undergone wrenching change and loss, and now must adjust to a new life.
Older animals lose their homes for many reasons, most of which have nothing to do with a "problem" with the animal; the death of their human, changes in "lifestyle", a new spouse who doesn't like dogs or cats, a work schedule that no longer accommodates a pet, a move to a new home where pets are not allowed. Many people think that there must be something inherently wrong with a pet that ends up in a shelter or rescue group, that it is behaviorally or genetically compromised. However, often even expensive, purebred dogs and cats are surrendered, again for a variety of reasons.
Many adult animals often face a substantial period of time in a shelter before they are adopted. A large number of overcrowded shelters routinely euthanize older animals as "unadoptable". Yet these older dogs and cats make wonderful companions for those who don't have the time or energy to care for a younger dog or cat, puppy or kitten. Older animals who have become homeless have unlimited love to give, and they tend to bond very quickly with their new human companions.
Many seniors, especially those who live alone, suffer loneliness, depression, anxiety and isolation. However, the health benefits of a companion animal are now widely recognized. One scientific study demonstrated that just a few minutes of stroking a pet prompts a release of "feel good" hormones in humans. Research shows that living with a pet contributes to longer and healthier lives. After acquiring a pet, older people have up to fifty percent fewer minor medical problems, and fewer visits to the doctor. Companion animals reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and mitigate depression. Pets also help patients recover more quickly from illness or injury. And pet dogs increase opportunities for outdoor activities and socialization.
Older pets for older people make a whole lot of sense. The lifestyle of an older person often blends well with the lifestyle of an older pet. The Senior Dogs Project lists Ten Top Reasons to adopt older dogs:
- they're housetrained
- they won't chew inappropriate items
- they can focus well to learn
- they know what "no" means
- they settle in easily with the "pack"
- they're good at giving love
- what you see is what you get
- they're instant companions
- they leave you time for yourself
- they let you get a good night's sleep
Adopting a companion animal can give older people a purpose in life and even a reason for living. A pet's unconditional love can provide a support system that may otherwise be lacking, and to give a homeless, older animal a second chance is to return the favor a hundred-fold.
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The San Francisco SPCA's Pets & Older People Program offers free adoption to individuals 62 and over who adopt a dog or cat 3 years or over. Adopters will also be eligible for routine medical care at the San Francisco SPCA Hospital for the first year.
