Paws 4 Safety: The best pet for the later seasons of life

BY KIM BRADLEY

There was a time in my life when I could look out the window and see horses, two llamas, a couple of pygmy goats, a sheep named Emily, barn cats and Bubbles the pot-bellied pig. Inside was a grumble of pugs. Life was good and every day brought a new adventure. Life is still good. But it looks a bit different now. A couple of those pugs eventually have become super seniors.

With age comes medications, mobility problems and the kind of hands-on care I never gave much thought to when they were young. At the same time, I have gotten older too. I still want to travel, explore and enjoy this season of life, but caring for aging pets can affect those choices. I love them dearly. But the sacrifice is real.

This experience has changed the way I think about one question: Just what is the best pet for a senior? The answer is not automatically a small dog or cat. The better question may be: What pet is right for the life you are living now and the life you hope to be living several years from now? Pets can be wonderful companions as we age. They give us routine, purpose, affection and someone to talk to who rarely argues back. Dogs may encourage us to walk and stay active. Cats can offer companionship without requiring several trips around the block each day. Simply having another living creature sharing our home can make it feel less empty. 

But choosing well matters. A tiny puppy may seem manageable, but puppies require training, frequent potty trips and enough energy to make some toddlers look lazy. A small dog darting between your feet can also be a concern if balance is an issue. A calm adult dog twice its size might actually be the easier companion. 

Cats can be wonderful choices, particularly adult cats whose personalities are already known. But litter boxes still need cleaning, carriers need lifting and long-haired cats need grooming. 

And why stop with dogs and cats? For the right person, a bird can provide tremendous interaction and personality, although some species require specialized care and may live for decades. Guinea pigs can be delightful little companions but need proper housing and regular cleaning. Fish can bring movement, routine and tranquility into a home without requiring walks although aquariums are not maintenance-free. 

There is also fostering. Someone who loves animals but does not want to make another 10- or 15-year commitment might find fostering for a reputable rescue enormously rewarding. And sometimes an older pet and an older person make a wonderful match. Adult and senior animals often come with fewer surprises: their size, temperament and energy level are already apparent. They may be perfectly happy with a quieter home and a comfortable place beside their person. The important thing is to look beyond the adorable face in front of you. Consider your mobility, housing, travel plans, support system and the amount of daily care you are comfortable providing. Think about who would care for your companion if you became sick or temporarily unable to do so. Most importantly, do not choose the pet that fits the life you used to have. Choose the pet that fits the life you have now. Pet ownership should enhance this chapter of life, not suppress it.

The right companion can bring laughter, purpose, comfort and tremendous joy at any age. 

Next week, we will continue this conversation by looking at another important part of choosing and caring for a companion later in life: the financial impact of growing older alongside our pets. 

Kim Bradley is the founder of Paws 4 Safety; a pet safety education initiative focused on helping pet owners prepare for emergencies and everyday situations involving their pets. For more information, visit the Pet Safety Learning Center at Paws4Safety.com or call 877- 829-1997. Because moments matter.