OkcPets Magazine September 2020

20 OKC Pets • September/October 2020 a pet and the bond that is formed between a pet and its owner. That relationship must be preserved. It is such a special visit when a caretaker, whether that is a family member or a nurse or a companion, brings a senior owner in with his or her pet. To see them honor that bond and invest in that relationship leaves us feeling thankful and happy we can be a part of that relationship. Another aspect to consider is what will happen to the pet when its owner is no longer able to care for it or can no longer be in his or her own home. There also needs to be a plan if the owner passes away. I have seen many tears shed over the anxiety and worry of what will happen with the pet companion when this time comes. Some clients are lucky enough to have a friend, neighbor or family member step up and take in the pet. Some choose to set up a trust for the pet, ensuring it will be cared for throughout its lifetime. There are some organizations that, for a fee, agree to take care of the pet for the rest of its life. Unfortunately, many pets are not this lucky and end up in shelters and rescues. If you are a senior with a pet or know a senior with a pet, please have this conversation early and often. The peace of knowing their friend will be taken care of is immense. There are a few things to consider if you are a senior considering getting a pet. What kind of animal should you get? You will need to consider your living arrangement. Are you in an apartment, a house, or will you be moving into a senior living facility or a family member’s home soon? A large rambunctious dog would not be good in an apartment, and a cat would not be a good choice if your family is allergic. Maybe a bird or a fish or a rat would be a better choice. What age pet are you considering? In general, a young animal is not always a great choice. The allure of a puppy or kitten is strong, but those sweet faces come with sharp teeth and claws. They can quickly create what looks like a crime scene with thin skin and chewing everything in sight. Having a young pet is very much like raising a child. That takes a lot of energy! They also require a good deal of training. Having an older animal also means more trips to the doctor and, likely, medications to give. That can be a drain on time, energy and your bank account. Giving medications may also be a challenge. Can you afford to properly care for a pet? Cost of care is another important consideration. There are calculators online to help determine average yearly cost. You will also need to have an emergency fund in case of accident, injury or unforeseen illness. These expenses can add up very quickly. In general, a goldfish will be less expensive to keep than a bird, reptile, dog or cat. If pet ownership does not fit into your budget or living situation, maybe volunteering at a shelter or with a rescue to socialize the pets could be a good alternative. Pets are good for us at all life stages for so many reasons but particularly so as we age. They can give us a sense of purpose and routine, and we can gain from the health benefits as well. I think we all are heavily benefiting from our pets during this pandemic. If you are a senior considering getting a pet, please take the time to honestly assess your living and health situation in order to decide on the best pet for you. If you know seniors with pets, please consider asking if they need help and have a plan for their furry family member as they age. Life is hard, and it gets harder the older we become. But our pets can make it more enjoyable. Having a pet as a senior citizen has more significant benefits than many people realize