Good Afternoon Everyone!
With the growing population of baby boomers retiring, I thought I would take a few moments to reach out to our senior community in hopes of persuading them to adopt a pet companion. Our local shelters are full of wonderful cats and dogs that desperately need YOU!
There are many benefits to opening your
home and life to a senior pet:
- Pets provide seniors with companionship. They combat depression, boost self-confidence and help overcome feelings of loneliness and boredom.
- The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society has linked owning a pet to such benefits as decreased risk factors for cardiovascular disease, particularly lower systolic blood pressure, plasma cholesterol and plasma triglycerides.
- Within 30 minutes of interacting with a dog or cat, people experience enhanced levels of dopamine and the endorphins associated with happiness. Levels of cortisol, a stress hormone are significantly decreased.
- Caring for a pet increases exercise, socialization and responsibility. Seniors who may feel a loss of purpose in life greatly benefit from having a pet to care for, and a routine to keep them active.
According to The National
Institutes of Health Technology Assessment Workshop, the presence of
animals increased smiles, talking and the alertness in the seniors
in their study.
Selecting the right pet for you is very
important. Depending on your lifestyle and health, I encourage you
to talk with family members and friends about your choice to adopt a
pet. When the time comes to find your furry companion, the adoption
professional at your local shelter will also be there to help guide
you to a perfect match!
If you have any questions or comments,
please feel free to contact me at walkies.doggies@yahoo.com
or visit my web page at
www.walkiesdoggies.com
Thank You!
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