OkcPets Magazine September 2023

September / October 2023 • OKC Pets 23 Mutual Benefits Pets Enhance Seniors’ Lives by Kathryn Helstrom D aisy, Ann Knight’s miniature poodle, follows her 80-year-old companion everywhere around the house. She keeps Knight active because she loves to go for walks in the neighborhood and in the park. Knight keeps up a regular feeding and grooming routine for Daisy and makes sure she sees the vet when needed. In return, Daisy gives unconditional love. Without knowing it, she also gives Knight structure to her days, entertainment, and opportuni- ties to socialize — a sense of purpose. That mutual bond helps to improve the mental and physical health for both person and pet. According to the Centers for Dis- ease Control and Prevention, having a pet lowers a person’s blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. It reduces feelings of loneliness and anxiety and results in better cognitive function. Dogs are particularly beneficial for creating and maintaining connections with other people. Walking your dog in the neighborhood or park offers lots of opportunities to meet people and start conversations about pets. A good way to get to know your neighbors is by exchang- ing veterinarian information and sharing pet stories. Acquaintances can become true friends, and arranging with friends to pet- sit takes away the worry of care for your fur baby while you are gone to the hospital or on an out-of-town visit. Pets live in the moment without worrying about the future or the past. When you play with your dog or cat, it helps you do the same. It is well documented that people feel more relaxed when spending time with their pets. This is especially important for people who tend to spiral into worry. Pets can speed up recovery after an illness, injury, or surgery. Nearly half of the adults in a study by the University of Mich- igan said their pets help take their minds off pain. Many hospitals and long-term care centers bring animals to visit with residents to alleviate their physical and emotional symptoms. Taylor Roepke of the Tulsa Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) directs the Pets Are Love (PAL) program, which takes therapy animals to places where residents cannot have pets. She said the reaction from the residents is “immediate and profound.” PAL chooses specific animals from the SPCA shelter for training and uses qualified therapy dogs from outside organizations that volunteer their animals. Roepke is always looking for volunteers she can train. If a senior does not want the responsi- bility of a pet, volunteering is a great way to interact with dogs and cats without the commitment of being a pet owner. And there is always a need for short-term pet sitting for family or friends. Choosing a Pet There are some things to consider when de- ciding whether to own a pet and what kind. Dogs are excellent for keeping you active and walking. But if you have mobility prob- lems, a cat or bird might be a better choice. For the least amount of maintenance, fish can keep you calm and entertained. Daisy share a hug with her human, Ann Knight. Photo by Bobby Knight. SENIORS & PETS