Page 14—Seniors Today—<strong>July</strong> <strong>26</strong>, <strong>2019</strong>
Pet Care Safely Show Off Your New Puppy by Sam Mazzotta Dear Paw's Corner: Our puppy Clyde is about four months old, and we can't wait to show him off this summer. We have several outings to the park planned, as well as a group camping trip. Is there anything we should be wary of when taking him out to meet his adoring public? —Jesse and Tom White Plains, New York Dear Jesse And Tom: Congratulations on your new puppy! Taking Clyde out to meet people is a fine idea, and it sounds like you're planning ahead to cover any contingencies. He's at just the right age to do so: older than four months, so that he's developed enough to interact with other dogs and people, and his immune system is strong enough to fight off most threats (as long as he's had his shots on schedule). He's following commands and learning to walk on a leash. Here's a few more things to do: • Give Clyde some early socialization by scheduling play dates with dogs you already know well. These by Matilda Charles Remember when we were kids and summers were spent riding our bicycles around the neighborhood? We'd screech around corners, never worrying about balance or falls. Now, as seniors, most of us don't have that exercise option. That doesn't mean we have to stay off bikes altogether. We only need to add a wheel. Three-wheel bicycles, known as trikes, are becoming more popular as the boomer generation ages. These bikes have one wheel in the front and two in the back, and most often come with a big basket between the back wheels to hold groceries or a small dog. Most of the trikes are single speed, but some come with three or seven speeds to make starting and slight inclines easier. Some trikes come with an electric motor, and you'll need that if you live in a hilly area. One warning about the trikes, however: If you rode a regular two-wheel bike when you were young, you no doubt learned about balance and leaning. don't have to be very long; meeting for a few minutes during a walk, for example. • Plan a few trial runs to the dog park and the people park; schedule them during off-peak hours in the early morning so you have more control over Clyde's interactions. • Avoid taking him out on very hot or humid days; aim for early morning or late evening at the height of summer. Bring plenty of cold water just for Clyde to drink. • Watch Clyde for signs of being overwhelmed if he's around crowds of people or dogs. Take him to a less crowded area if he seems stressed out. Send your tips, questions, or comments to ask@pawscorner.com Senior Service Line Our Biking Days Aren't Over Trikes don't work that way. To ride one of these safely, you need to sit upright. If your doctor says yes to a bicycle of any kind, do lots of research before you buy. Especially look at YouTube videos. Check out trikes at a legitimate bicycle shop. Don't order one online unless you know exactly what you're getting. For many of us, though, the idea of riding any kind of outdoor bicycle is out of the question, either because of health, or busy streets, or lack of storage space. There's something to be said for indoor exercise cycles. They come in either upright (like a regular bicycle) or recumbent, which leans slightly back. Recumbents are closer to the floor, so the likelihood of falling is reduced. The best thing about indoor cycles: It doesn't matter what the weather is. <strong>July</strong> <strong>26</strong>, <strong>2019</strong>—Seniors Today—Page 15 Life has never looked better at... The Cloisters The Cloisters, a Non-Profit, Faith-Based Retirement Community, offers Life Simplified! Let us take care of the day to day activities while you take the time to engage in the things that matter most to you. Visit today to experience The Cloisters difference. Hurry in today to find out how you can save up to $ 2,680 on select villas and apartment homes. Call us today for a tour and enjoy lunch on us! 386-822-6900 TDD 1-800-545-1833 x359 For language services assistance, please call 562-257-5255 400 E. Howry Ave., DeLand, FL www.TheCloistersRetirement.org Find us on *Restrictions apply, must take occupancy no later than August 31 st , <strong>2019</strong>. Please inquire with The Cloisters marketing department for more details. Enjoy a complimentary lunch in our dining room when you schedule a tour with us! A Faith-Based, Non-Profit Organization. ALF Licence #AL8340