animal that isn ’ t young . Most older dogs are already housetrained , she pointed out . They are well past the chewing stage as well .
They still may need a lot of exercise or have plenty of energy , she said . Depending on the breed , an older dog may still want to run and jump and play . “ Some dogs don ’ t know they ’ re older dogs . Just like some people don ’ t know they ’ re older people ,” she laughs .
However , older dogs and cats sometimes require more medical care , just like older people . And , Schultz points out , veterinary care can get expensive . By having this foster program , the Humane Society would pay for all the care – vets would bill the humane society directly – which means the foster family would only be in charge of transporting the pet to the vet and giving them whatever kind of medicine they need .
It ’ s great for seniors on a fixed income , and it ’ s the best care for the pets , she said .
Plus , many of those pets are grateful for the home and the help .
As proof , Schultz turns back to her old friend , George .
“ He walked into my house , looked around and said , ‘ Nice house . I ’ ll stay .’ And he did ,” she said .
The humans themselves may get a health benefit from the arrangement as well , she said . She pointed towards studies that show petting a dog or cat has been proven to lower blood pressure ; that pets help minimize loneliness and depression because they need their humans to care for them and need an empathic companion ; and that pets help keep humans active because they need interaction , and that dogs need to be walked on a leash often .
People who want to get involved with such a program only have to keep a few requirements in mind . They need to stay in contact with the foster coordinator , letting that person know if something is the matter with the animal or if there are any changes . The coordinator will likely tell the foster family they should get the pet to the vet whenever the animal isn ’ t feeling well , she said .
The foster person will be required to keep the pet as an indoor animal – they can go outside , but the majority of the time should be spent inside the home , Schultz said .
The foster home is required to have a fenced-in area of the yard for the safety of that animal . That goes for both dogs and cats , she said .
Those interested can contact the Somerset-Pulaski County Humane Society by calling 606-451-2367 . To find out more about the local Humane Society , visit its webpage at bhumane . org .
38 • SENIOR LIVING 2021