Entering the golden years can often signal a time for reflection and the desire for companionship, and for many, welcoming a furry friend into their lives can be a fulfilling choice. Whether seeking a companion for outdoor adventures or a serene presence at home, the decision to adopt a pet later in life comes with both considerations and rewards.
Elain Genser, having recently bid farewell to her beloved 16-year-old canine companion, Jakob, now finds herself actively seeking to foster or adopt a senior dog. For her, the absence left by Jakob underscores the profound benefits of pet companionship. “Living alone, having someone to say good morning to, even if they’re just sleeping most of the time, it’s companionship,” she shares. Genser also notes the socializing aspect and the motivation for daily walks that having a dog brings.
Despite not ultimately adopting a 14-year-old Labradoodle she met through ElderDog Canada, Genser highlights the organization’s support in finding homes for older dogs who have lost their human companions. She emphasizes the peace of mind it provides to know that her furry friend would be cared for if something were to happen.
ElderDog Canada is just one among many organizations in Victoria offering opportunities for volunteering, fostering, and adopting pets. Victoria Animal Centre, for instance, assists individuals in finding pets that align with their lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of matching energy levels and care needs.
Emma Hamill, manager of Victoria Animal Centre, underscores the significance of lifestyle compatibility when pairing pets with potential owners. She illustrates this with the example of her active mother-in-law finding a suitable companion in a middle-aged Chihuahua named Piper, who met both her needs and those of her existing pet, Scout.
Additionally, Genser points out the challenge of finding pet-friendly housing, a consideration echoed by many pet owners, especially seniors facing housing transitions.
The option of fostering is also highlighted as an alternative to adoption, particularly for those who may have limited capacity for long-term commitments. Joanne Thibault, a volunteer at Cat’s Cradle Animal Rescue, extols the rewards of fostering, which can lead to permanent adoption but also brings joy in seeing animals find new homes.
Thibault emphasizes the opportunity for seniors to consider adopting or fostering older pets, noting their many benefits, including already being trained and having established personalities. Hamill adds that older pets often come with gratitude and make for loyal companions in their twilight years.
As seniors explore the prospect of pet companionship, whether through adoption, fostering, or embracing older pets, they find not only companionship but also a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose in their golden years.
