Today, I read a great article on helping aging and handicapped pets. It was simple and offered some basic suggestions to overcome the most common issues pet owners face as animals age. The tips address mobility, hearing, and diminishing eye-sight. So why do I get excited when I see this type of article?
As a society, we are very self-centered and have a me first attitude. It’s a thrill for me to know there are people out there who care enough to honor their commitment to their animals for the lifetime of the pet. These caring souls want to make life more comfortable and maintain a high quality of life for their pet at every age. They are willing to put down a few throw rugs for better traction on slippery floors and add a fence or baby gate for the safety of a pet with poor sight, even if it doesn’t really qualify as a decorator item. I love to see articles that encourage people by showing them that simple ideas can make a substantial difference.
Great medical care and new treatments help many pets live longer, healthier lives. However, in their advanced years, our beloved companions may develop many of the same problems we face. That’s one reason I do what I do. There is a need for people with experience to help pet owners with aging and illness, just as there are programs for training puppies.
I opened Pets By Penny in Austin, Texas in 2007, and my focus is on pets that are handicapped, chronically or terminally ill, or developing problems as they age. Often, vets or therapists give owners advice on what to do, but they don’t go to the home and help their customers decide which solutions may work best and how to implement those solutions. That’s where I come in. My customers often tell me they are very grateful to find such a service, and most haven’t heart of anyone else doing what I do. I believe there is also lots of room for other pet care professionals to add more support for this end of the life cycle.
My services are not meant to compete with local trainers, veterinarians, and therapists, and I don’t give medical advice. I work with the health care providers and trainers and pet parents to figure out creative and yet workable solutions for problems. Pets are as unique as people, and what works for one pet may not work for another. Likewise, homes can vary largely in style and accessibility and family dynamics. All of those things affect the choices of solutions that may work.
Many vets can’t go to the home and assess the variables. They also don’t have the time to keep up on all of the new equipment that may help deal with physical problems. Sometimes retraining isn’t an issue due to age or health. The problem may just be finding a new way to get a pill down Fluffy or safely handling a pet with anxiety due to limited senses or illness. Owners may also need behavior management solutions for the duration of the pets life, whether it is a few weeks or a couple of years. Traditional training isn’t always possible when the aging animal also has cognitive dysfunction or some other disability. There are many new needs that surface during the senior years, and I don’t like to see a senior lose their home because the family can’t manage these needs.
The services for aging and handicapped and chronically ill pets are still quite limited, since this is a relatively new area of pet care service. Be sure you ask anyone who professes to offer such service about their hands-on experience with special needs pets and ask for examples of solutions. Also, talk to their references. To read the article I referred to, click on the link in the title.
If you have a need for this type of service, I’ll be happy to help you in Austin, Texas or by phone or email. I’ll gladly help you find local resources that have appropriate experience too.
