The average life expectancy, according to the 2014 World Health Statistics for males born in 2012 in Canada was 80, and for females 84. I am sharing these statistics with you because of an email I received from a reader. She stated, "I would appreciate an article from you on a person’s age and dog adoption, and when you believe it is time to call it enough." The email was from a 78-year-old woman who has owned 12 rescue dogs over many years. I could sense from her email that she has a natural affinity for animals.
If you are elderly and living alone, I feel owning a sweet dog or cat will bring much happiness and comfort but most importantly, companionship. That pet can give you a reason to get out of bed, and it can help keep you active and social.
If you have concerns about your age and worry your pet may out-live you, there are tender preparations you can make. A family member, or dear friend, may agree to take in your beloved pet after you pass. My mother in law made specific accommodations for her dog in her will. Her close friend agreed to take in her little dog, and my mother-in-law left her friend money to care for the dog.
Many rescue groups will not deny an adoption because of an individual’s age, but they will ask if you have made preparations in case something should happen. Most times, these specific and responsible questions will be part of your adoption application. Finding a permanent loving home for homeless pets is a rescue’s sole mission, regardless of the adopter’s age.
If you are nervous about your age, you may want to consider adopting a senior pet. Many sweet elderly pets are waiting for homes at rescues and shelters. These golden-year pets can bond, love, and are anxiously waiting to become loyal pets.
Another option for consideration, rather than adopting, is to become a lifesaving foster. Rescues and shelters cannot survive without foster homes. Without foster home's many homeless pets would not survive. Most foster families find the experience of caring for homeless pets to be both uplifting and rewarding. Fostering provides a safe place for a rescue pet to destress and to blossom into a loving pet for another family.
Once you become an animal lover it stays with you throughout your life. A fondness for animals usually starts in childhood, and as we age that affection does not diminish. If you are looking to bring a pet into your life, at any stage in your life, there are many viable options available. Please do not deny yourself the experience of helping a displaced pet. This is a timeless animal advocacy quote; ”You can't buy love but you can rescue it.”
Please consider adopting or fostering a companionless pet today. Please be kind to animals.
Tracy Jessiman writes the weekly Recycled Love column. Reach her at [email protected]
