ELDERDOG CANADA HELPS KEEP LOVE IN THE HOME

Seniors’ lives are often built around what they can no longer do. If they forget to turn off the stove, their children unplug it and buy them a microwave instead. If they forget to take their medication or leave spoiled food in the fridge, they are moved to residential care. If they can no longer take their dog for a walk or need to go into the hospital for a few days, they are told that it’s time to give up the dog.

The loving bond between dogs and their human families is particularly strong as both enter their senior years. The dog may be the only loving, non-judgmental companion a senior has and taking care of the dog may give the owner’s life purpose and meaning. It is a great reason to get out of bed in the morning!

So, what if there was a way to keep love in the home despite an aging owner’s inability to take half-hour walks, drive to the vet or be at home for a few days following needed surgery? What if, rather than unplugging that relationship, the community recognized the essential bond and supported it?

Dr. Ardra Cole, a university professor with a background in educational psychology and research methodologies, was committed to providing an answer to these questions when she founded ElderDog Canada Inc., a national, community-based non-profit organization, whose goal is to provide free assistance to older adults in the care and well-being of their canine companions. The organization also provides education and funds research about the human-animal bond and the significant role of companion animals in the health and well-being of seniors.

Since its inception in 2009, ElderDog has grown to have multiple branches, called “Pawds,” in eight provinces. In BC, there are Pawds in Vancouver, Thompson Okanagan, Sunshine Coast, Victoria, Nanaimo and Courtenay/Comox. ElderDog Pawds provide trained and screened volunteers who help people, age 55+, with daily pet care activities, such as dog walking, transportation to veterinary appointments and food delivery.

If the owner is unable to temporarily care for the dog, such as during a period of hospitalization, ElderDog provides foster care in a pre-approved home. In the unfortunate event that a dog requires permanent rehoming, ElderDog is there to assist and specializes in the placement of senior dogs with loving people.

All these services are provided at no cost to the owner because ElderDog truly understands that older owners can find it increasingly difficult to provide their dog with the exercise, stimulation and other care, and wants to preserve that bond.

Volunteers love to help seniors in their community! Mindy is a dog walker with the Nanaimo Pawd and was introduced to Rusty, a 12-year-old Papillion-Chihuahua in March 2021. Mindy has been walking Rusty two mornings a week since that time and is part of the four-member volunteer team dedicated to providing services to Rusty’s owner, Jane.

Jane developed chronic pain in her knee and felt so desperate when she could no longer take Rusty for daily walks. She was frightened that her condition would mean that she had to give up her little boy and couldn’t bear the thought of life without his companionship. She feels blessed to have found out about ElderDog’s services.

“Rusty is brighter, happier, more content and healthier because he is getting exercise and meeting new people,” says Jane.

Mindy is equally pleased, as Rusty is a pleasure to walk, and great company and she has a new bond with Jane. Mindy says, “Jane and I chuckled together as we both said in unison, “I tell everybody about ElderDog.”

ElderDog represents a coming together of two things: a recognition of the vital connection between older adults and their dogs and the importance of preserving that bond.

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