Walgreens or an Animal Shelter?

Okay so this is not a real shocker...but the American Medical Association has officially prescribed "walking a dog" as a treatment for seniors with physical limitations, depression, and even boredom. We all know that animals can help improve our lives. This most recent recommendation from the AMA just convinces me more.

A study conducted at the University of Mississippi tested 87 seniors who reported having "mild health problems." Half of the seniors were given weekly counseling sessions with a nutritionist and a physical therapist while the other half took a dog for a walk every day. The results showed that those seniors who walked dogs had significantly less physical problems and lower depression rates. (I read about this study in my local newspaper, the Colorado Springs Gazette.)

Although this is just one study and the methodology is unclear, this finding only reinforces my belief that pets enrich our lives on multiple levels. They comfort us, offer unconditional love, and help us get the most of life. One of the researchers doing the study theorizes that seniors benefit physically because they are exercising every day and tend to walk longer and faster when walking with a dog than when walking by themselves.

Another wonderful outcome of this study is that all the dogs taken for daily walks were living in animal shelters. By taking them for a regular outings, their quality of life also improved and there was a decrease in their anxious behaviors such as whining, scratching, and crying. Wouldn't it be great if every animal shelter in the country partnered with senior centers for a project like this? What are your thoughts?

--Dana

Comments

[Laurel]

Great example of an ideal collaboration. My one concern is what shelters do about the attachment that inevitably develops with the seniors. How do they handle the pain of separation if the dog is adopted? Do they have the chance to say good-bye? What about euthanasia?

[Dana]

You ask some good questions Laurel. These issues would inevitably arise and it could mean heartache for some. It's important to think about this when volunteering at animal shelters!

[turtlecookie]

I think this is actually a wonderful solution. The seniors (should) know that it is a temporary relationship and that they both (dog and senior) benefit from the walk, though I can see where there might be some strong attachments formed. Who knows, maybe the senior can adopt the dog (in certain situations this might be ok.) I was thinking as I read it that it might be hard for some seniors to have a dog at home. I hope they are careful in matching up dog/senior, and that they keep the seniors informed about the status of "their" dog. Wonderful idea with mutual benefits. :-)