When Melissa’s father died and her mother moved into a nursing home, Melissa adopted her parent’s poodle, Margot. During the three-hour drive to her house from where her mother was staying, Margot was shaking and afraid. Melissa stopped at the pet shop and bought Margot some of her favorite chewable steak bites and a toy, […]
How Pets Support People with Parkinson’s Disease
Dear Raider, My mom has Parkinson’s disease. We live a half hour away and try to see her as much as we can. I think having a pet will help her to stay active and feel loved. We always had miniature poodles growing up. Do you think it’s a good idea for her to adopt […]
New Research Shows How Having Pets Helps Promote Healthy Aging and Prevent Cognitive Decline
Dear Angel, I’ve been living alone for the past five years and I’m thinking of getting a pet to keep me company. I’ve heard about benefits of having a pet, but didn’t realize that there were cognitive benefits as well. What are the cognitive and other benefits of having a pet for a senior like […]
Are Cats a Good Idea for Families with Children Who Have Autism? And Is It Good for the Cat?
Dear Angel, My son has an Autism Spectrum Disorder, and we are thinking of getting a family pet. I read somewhere that adding a cat to the family might be good for a child with autism. This is making us think of adopting a cat from our local animal shelter. Do you have any information […]
Could Canine Life-Extension Research Lead to Breakthroughs for Pets and Humans?
Dear Hayek, There is a lot of research out there about longevity in humans. Unfortunately, pets don’t live long enough. Is there any research being conducted about longevity and pets? I’d love for my best friend, Kirby the doodle, to be around for as long as possible. Thanks for your help! Doug Livenlonger — Dear […]
Can Coronavirus Affect Pets?
Dear Angel, I am the proud mom of three dogs, who are getting lots of attention with my husband and I working from home, and with the kids here too. They mostly stay in the house but enjoy long exercise walks around dinner time. We also have a gray outdoor cat, who visits each day. […]
Should a Loved One with a Dementia Diagnosis Have a Pet?
Dear Hayek, My grandmother Ruth has a small black mixed-breed pup named Angus. She is very fond of Angus and takes him everywhere. Ruth was diagnosed with dementia a couple of years ago. She still takes good care of Angus, but what happens when it becomes more severe and she forgets to walk him or […]
The Power of the Purr
Dear BeBe, I am completely stressed out caregiving for my father who has Alzheimer’s, although I admit it’s a labor of love. I think my lack of life balance is affecting my health. My brother told me that the purr of a cat helps relieve stress, among other things. Is this true, and […]
Having a Furry Friend May Extend Your Life
Dear Bebe, I am considering getting a cat similar to you for my mother, who lives alone and doesn’t get much exercise. I heard pets have been known to promote longevity and social interaction. If it’s okay with her and her landlord, do you think it’s a good idea? I have a beloved poodle myself. […]
New Year’s Resolutions for Your Pet
Dear Baxter, I am getting older, and so is my dog, Brutus. In his old age, he is overweight and very lazy. What are some resolutions I can make that will help make me a better pet owner, and to make my pet healthier? Thanks! Pat Owner —– Dear Pat, The start of a new […]
Take Your Emotional Support Animal with you ANYWHERE!
Q. Since my wife, Linda, and I retired, we travel a lot. A few weeks ago, when we flew to San Diego, we saw someone with a dog in the cabin of the plane, sitting on the owner’s lap, and the flight attendant didn’t say anything about it. The dog was small enough to fit […]
How Presidential Candidates Stack Up When it Comes to Pets
Dear Angel, I am a pet lover who is undecided about who to support for president. Do you know where the candidates stand when it comes to animals? Kat Endogg-Luverr —- Dear Kat, Now this Is an important issue, especially when it comes to cats! In a nutshell, here is the information I was […]
Cats for Seniors Who are Allergic
Dear Angel, My mother loves pets, especially cuddly cats like you. She enjoys coming to Mr. Farr’s office to see you, but she needs to take an allergy pill every time. She is lonely and would really like a cat of her own, but is unwilling to take allergy pills every day or get allergy […]
What Happens When Seniors Can No Longer Care for Their Pets?
Dear Angel, My miniature poodle, Moose, and my cat, Scooter, have been my constant companions since my husband died six years ago. They are the only warm blooded creatures that really depend on me. My dog and I usually take a two hour walk every day and I spend hours at night brushing and petting […]
Spending Forever with Your Pet
Dear Saki and Alley, I am very attached to my cat, Jessie. We have been through thick and thin together. When I die, I would like to be buried with her. Is this a possibility? Love, Mike Att-Forever —————– Dear Mike, 62% of households own and love pets, including cats, dogs, birds, fish and more. When it comes […]
Can Pets Get Dementia?
Earl and Linda’s silver poodle, Sophia, is fifteen years old. Recently, they have come home from work to find Sophia wandering aimlessly through the house and have noticed the trouble she is having finding the doggie door. Sophia used to jump up and twirl on her back legs for a treat, but she seems to […]
Amazing Pets – Saving Senior’s Lives
Q. My mother, Jessica, lives alone and is considering adopting a pet. I am all in favor, but know it is a lot of work and vet visits are often expensive. For me, these things are certainly worth it. Despite the grooming costs, the heartworm pills, and the occasional sick visit, I wouldn’t give up […]