June 28, 2019 Issue

Page 14—Seniors Today—June 28, 2019
I.V.
Chelation
Therapy
An alternative treatment.
Now available in
Ormond Beach.
Atherosclerosis
Coronary Artery Disease
Cerebral Vascular Disease
For further information stop by, or call:
GRANADA MEDICAL CENTER
Hana Chaim, D.O.
Member of ACAM
American College for Advancement in Medicine
595 W. Granada Blvd. ● Suite D ● Ormond Beach
676-2550
Riverfront Condo For Sale
Epiphany
Manor
4792 S. Ridgewood Ave.
Port Orange
62+ or Disabled
Income Eligible
Call For Application
386-767-2556
TTY: 1-800-955-8771
Free boat slip, fishing pier, tennis court, pool/hot tub,
gas grills, picnic area all overlook the Halifax River. New
rehab in bathrooms, eat in kitchen, granite counter top,
paint, crown molding. Sparkling clean and ready to move
in! Large spacious 1 bedroom, 1.5 bathrooms, open living
room and dining area. Two large walk-in closets. Covered
carport, storage area, 1 small pet, several laundry rooms
throughout building. Fabulous sunsets, firework displays
(from first named Jackie Robinson Ballpark), walk to
ocean—Beach Street cafe’s and entertainment. $139,000
Contact Janice Ruhling
janice@jruhling.com
386.871.3713
Would you like
complimentary
Seniors Today
Newspapers for
distribution in your
condo building,
mobile home park,
clubhouse, or business?
Call 677-7060 for
more information.
Humane Society Update
Best Friend In Your Later Years
by Barry KuKes
Individuals who are more than 65
years old and have a pet, seek medical
help 30 percent less often than
their counterparts who don’t own a
pet. Dogs are ideal companions for senior
citizens, as they offer loyalty, provide happiness,
and give unconditional love that
positively affects the lives of seniors. Dogs
accept their owner as someone to love and
someone who loves them back, and they
can make a perfect companion in your later
years. Aside from the breed, as a retiree
adopting a dog, you need to consider the
size, age, health history, and temperament.
Size Matters
Size does matter when choosing a canine
companion when you are already retired.
For many practical reasons, smaller breeds
are the most suitable choice for elderly
people, except for small breeds that have
high energy levels such as a Jack Russell
Terrier or Pembroke Welsh Corgi. You can
transport a small dog in a pet carrier and
easily take him to places. Giving the dog
a bath is also more manageable because the
dog can fit in a sink. Most importantly, you
are at a lower risk of getting injured while
dog walking because small dogs are easier
to handle. You can reap the benefits of exercising
more without spending too much.
Check The Age And Health History
It is recommended to get an adult dog
rather than a puppy for several reasons.
Adult dogs are calmer, have more predictable
behaviors, are already housebroken,
and have lower activity needs. Older dogs are
compatible with the lifestyle of an elderly
person, and yet still provide the same emotional
and therapeutic benefits to the owner.
You can also know the health history of the
dog, which is important when you’re on a
fixed income, as most retirees are. The
healthy history can tell you about any preexisting
health conditions and may prepare
you for any emergency expenses.
Adopting an older animal also gives
you the opportunity to rescue a dog from
a shelter or rescue group. As well as offering
a dog a happy new home, this will allow you
to consider mixed breeds who often have
fewer health issues compared to the pure
breeds. A total of 6 to 7 million animals end
up in shelters, more than half of which will
never be adopted. Most shelter and rescue
groups conduct a comprehensive analysis
of each animal and ensure that they will be
a good fit with their potential family through
training them, which is of as much benefit
to the new owner as it is to the dog. By
choosing this route, you can be confident
that you will end up with a good match for
your needs.
Temperament Matters As Well
A dog’s temperament is also important
to consider when choosing one. Temperament
is influenced by various factors such
as breed, age, and how the dog was socialized
and treated as a puppy. Most elderly
individuals seek dogs that are affectionate
and even-tempered. As a potential owner,
you must consider whether you can manage
the current temperament of the dog.
Spend time with a variety of shelter dogs
before you make your decision to be sure
you find the right fit.
Before bringing home a dog, make sure
that you consider your lifestyle and the needs
of yourself and your new friend. Spend
some time with the dog before making a
commitment: every dog has its own personality.
Find the one that best suits yours, and
make sure you choose each other. Lastly,
if you cannot find the perfect dog for your
lifestyle, then consider a cat. A cat is a great
companion for an elderly person and less
maintenance is required than a dog. People
with pets have less health issues including
lower blood pressure, than people without
a pet. Remember, adopt don’t shop.
Barry KuKes is the Community Outreach
Director for the Halifax Humane Society.
You can reach Barry at 386.274.4703, ext.
320, or BarryK@halifaxhumanesociety.org
Killian is a eight year old, Labrador/Terrier,
American Staffordshire /Mix. She Loves
to snuggle up and loves to play.
Zena is a ten year old, Terrier, American
Staffordshire/Mix. He is shy yet fun.
Gage is a one year old, Terrier, American
Staffordshire/Mix. She will be
your next best friend.
Jovi is a three year old, Terrier,
American Staffordshire/Mix. He is playful,
curious, and a trusting canine.