51are organisations specialising in finding
homes for older dogs.
Roman Deguchi from Neighbour
Aid Pets, a free service matching senior
Australians with senior dogs, says the
benefits do go both ways in reducing
loneliness for a new owner and giving
a needy dog a good home.
“When you bring those two
circumstances together, there’s a level of
appreciation shared between the person
who wants companionship and the
animal that needs love – it’s a beautiful
thing,” he says.aBenefits all round
From loving companionship to a more
physical lifestyle, pets have much to
offer. Dr Walker says, “Pet ownership
has been associated with fewer doctor
visits, lower stress levels and increased
social support. Dogs, in particular, help
keep you active, provide a routine and
extra reason to get up in the morning.”enior dogs are generally
and less energetic, most still
to be let out and walked.
“When we got Taya, she was
ully house and toilet trained,
so she slept inside every
night, and if she needed to
go to the toilet, she’d bark
a couple of times and we’d
let her out,” Marilyn says.
“Taya was active enough for
to walk her but we didn’t
to spend hours trying to wear
like with younger dogs.”aBone up on older dogs
If you think an older pet might be
a match for you, talk to a vet or visit
an animal shelter for more information.
Before bringing a senior pet home,
Dr Walker says you should be aware
of the associated responsibilities and
decide if you’re able to meet them.
Some senior rescue dogs have
behavioural issues as a result of their
previous living conditions or abuse.
Happily, you can usually teach an old
dog new tricks – you may just need an
animal behaviourist to help you out.
Older dogs may have a pre-existing
medical problem – arthritis, cancer or
kidney disease – that needs prescription
medication and ongoing (and possibly
expensive) veterinary care. If you adopt
via the RSPCA, however, you should
know what you’re in for because all pets
they rehome are carefully checked for
health issues to avoid saddling new
owners with unexpected, expensive vet
bills. Dogs with a clean bill of health
will still need regular vet check-ups.
“All pets should have an annual visit
for vaccinations,” Dr Walker advises.
Marilyn says despite Taya’s advanced
age, it didn’t cost any more to care for
her than a younger dog. “She had hip
problems which we treated with over-
the-counter fish oil tablets,” she says.
Taya died this year at the grand old
age of 14, but spent her twilight years
in a loving home where she was part of
the family. Marilyn says, “You know in
your heart you’ve provided a good life
for them while you’re getting older, too.”Subsidies are available for seniors
who adopt an older pet, including
a no-fee adoptions for animals aged
10-plus. “Elderly pets adopted from
RSPCA Victoria also get a 25 per cent
discount on consultation fees
there for the rest of their life,”
Dr Walker says. Visit
rspca.org.auAdded
incentives