Pets as Comfort in Life
Pets are a great source of comfort to many baby boomers these days. Pets have always been a source of comfort to people, but as you age, they help to fill many gaps.
The benefits of living with pets are many. Here we will discuss only a short list. Please feel free to share how your pets help you in everyday life.
Pets Help to Ease Loneliness
If you’re alone, having a living, breathing companion in the house is comforting. Someone to take care of, someone to walk, nurture and feed. They’re a constant companion and a good one. Dogs will follow you from room to room. Just knowing they’re there is comforting.
I talk to my dogs, and they understand. Some people may think it’s crazy; I don’t think so. Dogs truly understand their owners. They get it. If you’re paying attention, you will see it in their eyes.
They Give You Reason to Move
Dogs give people a reason to get up in the morning. You must walk the dog. You must get up, get dressed and take them out. It also gets you out of the house where you will likely meet other dogs and pet parents. It’s fresh air and exercise for both of you and maybe even some socialization with neighborhood people and their pets.
They Give Us Comfort
Pets offer us a sense of solace and calm when the going gets rough. Our pets have an innate ability to understand and sense our moods.
If you’re feeling down or you’re sick, they understand. They will stick by your side until you’re well, helping to comfort you along the way. They just want to please. They’ll sleep with you and watch out for you.
Taking the Stress Away
If you are anxious, they will calm you. Stoking the fur of a beloved cat or dog or whatever animal is calming in and of itself. It has been proven that animals help to reduce blood pressure, anxiety and even depression in humans. For a depressed person, having an animal takes away feelings of being alone, because they are not alone. These are emotional support animals, and they can be a lifesaver for some people.
Practical Helpers
There are also specially trained dogs who are trained to perform specific tasks. They can be taught to alert us to seizures, turn lights on and off and even take clothes out of the dryer. These are true service dogs trained to help the disabled, and they do a wonderful job of it. Service dogs are not emotional support animals.
A Loving Companion
Pets offer unconditional love. They want nothing from us but to be loved.
The positives of what having a pet can do for humans is nothing short of amazing. How often have we seen a dog go in to save a family after they suffer a terrible loss, yet the family feels they saved the dog. In truth, they saved each other.
Pets have been wonderful companions throughout my life. Each one was special in their own way. I know I will always have a dog or two. It is my hope that people who have found solace and gratification in having a pet for the first time will continue to do so for many years to come. We depend on our pets, and they depend on us.
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
― Anatole France
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Are your pets comforting to you? What are your day-to-day interactions? How do you benefit each other? As pet lovers, I’d like to think so. If you’d like to have a conversation, let’s talk about it!!!
Our beloved dog just passed away. We are in our 70’s, both with diabetes and arthritis, and one with a heart valve transplant. We are doing well, considering, but I worry about getting another dog that might outlive us. He would then have to be returned to the shelter (usually by their rules, which I understand and agree with). It almost feels selfish now to get a dog, because of our age. I would like an older dog, but they tend to cost more with vet bills which have gotten pretty high (not complaining about vets, just being realistic). On the other hand, the house and even our yard feel so empty (and our hearts).
I am so sorry for your loss, Carol. A puppy is too much work. I just went through it with a one year old (who is now two) and I will never do it again! How about a middle-aged dog? Vets have gotten expensive and so has pet insurance, but I still feel we do better with pet insurance. I understand the empty house. It drove me so crazy that when I knew a dog was sick, I went and got another one to make their passing easier. My heart goes out to you whatever you ultimately decide to do.
If you think you could stand to let them go when adopted, there are many rescues who need foster homes. Find one that pays all vet bills, provides food & monthly heartworm/flea/tick preventative, etc. We do this and our only obligation is to provide training & assessment of the dog & we give our love freely, of course! It’s a way of giving & getting & has filled our time & home with some wonderful dogs!
What a great idea, Lauryi! Perfect for those who can’t or don’t want a full-time obligation. You just have to be able to let them go. I’ll bet it’s a great feeling to watch them go to a new home with a good family knowing you did your part and waiting for the next one to come in.
I love my cat who is very doglike and follows me room to room and “talks” as well as listens to me. But now that he’s 13, he pees in the bed while I’m asleep with him; vomits in hardto reach spots; fights and claws me when I have to take him to the vet; bothers me and my new boyfriend when we want to be “alone;” has arthritis so bad I had to move his litter box into my small upstairs bathroom which now stinks. So much trouble now that I’m a widow and live alone and want to travel and get out more. I have sworn that for this animal lover he is my last pet!
I’m so sorry you’re going through that, Margaret. Have you tried using a cloth pee pad in the bed while he’s asleep with you? Sounds like he misses your husband and maybe he’s depressed. What does the vet say?
I love my pets, however, where I live most rentals don’t allow them. And homes or seniors live don’t allow them. You can’t even have a bird. It’s a shame because I believe the companionship alone of a pet can save a life.
There is such a thing as emotional support animals as defined by HUD.gov. Please go there and read it. You may be allowed to have your pets in a rental if they are necessary as an ESA animal as defined by the US government. I don’t know what state you’re in, but I would start with HUD.gov. Then check with your state government. You may just need a letter from a doctor you see that they are necessary for your emotional well being.
A pet can definitely save a life and has in many cases – you’re right. There was a story years back about a guy who was denied having his dog in a condo and then took his own life.
This is such an important topic! During my working life my husband and I were only able to have cats. During my retirement I took up horse riding again and now own, ride, and care for 2 horses. My husband died of a long progressive illness. His cat was always with him during the day. After he died, his cat left home for a year before coming back to live with me. I had to get another cat as I can’t live in a cat free house in the country. Now I have two home cats and another one at the farm. After my husband’s death I got a dog… the first since my childhood. She is amazing and quite demanding too. I also got chickens (now have 5). They lay eggs but also cluck, peck, and scratch their way around the garden. They love company. Your list is great. All true for me. I think I would just add the idea of responsibility. My animals need me. Family and friends in my life may appreciate me… (some evidence that they do!) but they don’t NEED me, day in, day out. I am 87 and now cannot imagine my life without the animals. All 11 of them!!
Bravo Madame! I admire you. It is so wonderfully clear that you enjoy your animals. Next time I think my life is too full with my 1 demanding dog, I will tell myself Mme Chard has this X 11 and happily carry on. Thank you for your story. Gives me energy.
I love that you have 11 animals, Sylvia! And what an assortment! I remember answering you yesterday, but I don’t see it today. I’ll bet the animals keep you quite busy all day. As you say, they are quite a responsibility. And I agree, family and friends don’t need us, but our animals do. Bless you!
Thank you, Elyse. They keep me busy but oh so enjoyably busy! I have made chores like cleaning the stable shelter area into a kind of dance. When I ride my horse, about 2 or 3 times a week, I have to groom him and put his saddle and bridle on. This takes time and involves lifting a heavy saddle up on to his back. I try to keep the tack room tidy and clean, etc. etc. Riding out into the countryside is the biggest reward you can imagine!
What a great photo! It sounds like you do a lot of work, Sylvia but work that you enjoy. And if you enjoy it, it’s not really work. What a pretty area you live in.
My three Maltese dogs are my only reason to live. They’re great company. Always happy to be around me.
Bless you. My Maltese just passed away & I am just beside myself with grief.
I’m so sorry, Faye. I’ve been there and done that too many times. Have you considered adopting another, an older dog? I brought one in who was eight. She was great company and trained, too. Of course I missed my little girl, but the house didn’t seem so empty anymore. One never replaces another, but we had each other and it worked well for six years.
Thank you. I have put in an application at rescues, but seems to be mostly bigger dogs. I want a non-shedding breed. One way or another, I want a dog in my life. I have fostered two dogs this year & they were both happily adopted, but that’s not like having your own little “baby.”
You might try talking with some show breeders of the breeds you like. They often place retired show dogs who may be just a few years old – four, five, six – I don’t exactly. You never know where it might lead. Just don’t do anything online. Be wary of scams.
Do you have any shelters that deal with small dogs? We have some here in south Florida. That may be another way to go or on Petfinder.
I’m so glad you have them, Rosemary. You’re their everything, too. Dogs are such wonderful company. They’re happy to be around you just as you are happy to be around them.