Though you might think that at 60 or 70 you are too old to become a pet owner, in most cases, you probably aren’t. In fact, this might be the best time in your life to adopt an animal companion. Finally, you are at a stage where you have the time to really enjoy a pet, not merely "put up with" one for the sake of the children, leave it home alone while you spend 8-10 hours a day at the office, or kennel your dog every few months while you go on business trips, cruises, and family vacations.

When you no longer have to get up to go to work, there is nothing like a dog or cat to get you out of bed in the morning, and give you a purpose for doing so. He is hungry; and, if you have a dog, he has to go out. In order to fulfill your pet’s needs your own schedule must, by necessity, become organized and structured. Having a pet will certainly fill your life with meaning and purpose. They depend on us for everything: food, water, walks, medical care, grooming, play, love -- their very existence. What do you get in return for meeting these needs? You will receive the priceless gifts of unconditional love, loyalty, devotion, and heartfelt respect.

Even though you might be feeling stiff and achy, even though you might be in a reclusive mood, your dog still needs to go for a walk. And, when you walk him, you get just the exercise those creaky joints need to limber up, as well as the forced interaction you are bound to enjoy when your pup pulls you over to say "hi" to that interesting Irish setter across the street. Before you know it, your mood is brighter; you’re feeling energized; and, you might even be on your way to forming a new friendship with another pet owner.

My friend, Lawrence, will celebrate his 80^th birthday this summer. He’s never bored; never lonely; in great shape; and leads a rich, active, stimulating life. He is an avid reader, plays the piano, enjoys a wide variety of friendships, rides his scooter around Virginia Beach, tends to his garden--and--he is madly in love with two women. Ginger, the poodle, and Nana, the dachshund, are Lawrence’s constant companions and greatest delight. The three share a daily constitution on the beach or around the lake behind their house. Lawrence cooks his girls’ meals from scratch; treats their bruises and ailments with homeopathic remedies; takes them along as "therapy" dogs when visiting his 90-something friend who, though prone to forget names and faces, never forgets Ginger and Nana; and takes them anywhere and everywhere else that is socially acceptable and welcoming. Lawrence lives alone and especially treasures the constant companionship his girls provide and never having to return home to an empty house. Unlike many in his age group, he never has trouble sleeping and credits this to the warm sense of relaxation and well-being his dogs impart when they snuggle next to him each night. And, how can each day begin on anything but a positive note when you awaken to kisses and wagging tails? When he wants to get something off his chest, Lawrence isn’t the least bit embarrassed about sounding off to Nana or Ginger who, he is confident, "won’t leak it to the press." His girls make him feel "wanted, needed, and loved." He is even grateful for the responsibility of caring for his pets, as this diverts his attention away from himself--self-absorption being one pitfall of living alone which my friend works hard (and successfully) to avoid.

At this point you might be thinking, "Ah, but these are the positive aspects of pet ownership. What about the times when I’m under the weather, or the weather keeps me under the covers--who will walk my dog, then? I have arthritis in my hands and could never properly groom my pet, or even lift those heavy bags of kibble. I live on a fixed income, and veterinarian care is expensive! Who wants to spend their golden years scooping cat litter or picking up dog poo? I’ll never be able to keep up with my pet’s energy level or need for exercise."

Believe it or not, the pet industry has grown so much since we were kids that there is a solution to every one of these concerns. At-home pet sitting and dog walking services are available in virtually every area of Hampton Roads. And, don’t forget the neighborhood kids. More than one might be happy to take on the job--for a small fee. Pet groomers abound; and, if you don’t feel like loading your cat or dog into crate and car, you can always call upon a mobile groomer who will come to your house to trim Kitty’s nails or give Buster a bath. There are even poop-scooping businesses in the area, and you can now buy litter boxes that clean themselves! Keeping fleas under control is as easy as squeezing a small vial of liquid between your pet’s shoulder blades once a month, and this (as well as animal food and treats, bedding, toys, and anything else you might need) can be ordered from one of many pet supply catalogues and delivered right to your door. Doggie Daycare facilities--the subject of my Oct/Nov 2008 Pet Tails article--are great for giving your pup an outlet for his excess energy, as well as allowing him the opportunity to interact with his own species a few days a week. Grandchildren can be put to good use in this area, too. Just hand them a ball, open the door to your fenced-in yard, and turn them loose! When the time does come to take your pet to the veterinarian for a check-up, heart worm preventative medicine, neutering/spaying, or a health issue, there are low cost programs available to those on a fixed income. For instance, the Virginia Beach SPCA provides veterinarian services, as well as pet food and adoption fees, at reduced rates for lower income people, and has initiated a special program for people over the age of 60 called project "Hope." I’m sure there are similar programs throughout Hampton Roads, which you can locate by inquiring at your town’s Animal Control shelter or SPCA.

Finally, if your one, unspoken concern is that your animal companion might outlive you, why not consider sharing your retirement years with a pet who has reached the same life stage as you? There are so very many older cats and dogs available for adoption who desire nothing more in their "golden years" than to be wanted, needed, and have one special person to share their love and their life with--until the very end.