Cats, Canines, Canaries, Oh My!

When you retire, is your pet in for the easy life, too? You bet! Whether you choose a villa, a apartment or assisted living, your four-legged, beaked and finned friends are welcome to enjoy the sweet life with you at Otterbein Portage Valley. With 165 acres of wide-open country space, you and your pal can walk the grounds, enjoy the community garden and fish in the pond together.

Many members bring their pooches to visit other residents as therapy dogs. Some take their dogs on outings. Little Chihuahua ambassador, Duke, rides in the golf cart with his person, Joan Hankins, for parades. He even handled crowds and fawning children remarkably well at last month’s Pemberville Cruisin’ car show. Duke may be spoiled, but we love him just the same.

We have lovely pet-friendly residents like The Rev. Joe Ablett who has ministry in his blood. He's a helping hand to friends, family and neighbors. A neighbor's ShihTzu, Bo, gets his daily workout thanks to Mr. Ablett. Joe tells of the time that Bo, given a long leash, chased a rabbit across the yard only to have it turn and come right back at him. Bo didn't know what he'd gotten himself into and just froze to the spot! Joe says he doesn't want the responsibility of owning a dog but he makes sure Bo is fed, walked and gets to the vet. Sounds like he has shared custody, don't you think?

Nursing residents enjoy the dove, parakeets and brightly colored finches singing in the aviary atrium. Our little friends are so entertaining and such pretty birds that residents turn the TV volume down so they can enjoy the trilling and cooing.

Animals appear to serve as an important coping resource. According to the National Institute of Health, one study in particular looked at the incidence of senior use of healthcare services based on pet ownership versus non-pet ownership.

Looking at a sample of seniors living at home over the course of a year, researchers found that all who owned a pet had, on average, nearly 24 percent less uses of healthcare services than non-pet owners, said the NIH. The pet owners’ healthcare average cost was also lower than the non-pet owners’ average cost. In addition, the average length of hospital stays among pet owners was eight days compared to 13 days for non-pet owners.

The NIH has said the “cumulative weight of these studies strongly suggests that psychosocial benefits can be gained from animal visitation programs for at least some older persons in such settings. For example, the presence of animals . . . is associated with the tendency for older persons to smile and talk more, reach out toward people and objects, exhibit more alertness and attention, and experience more symptoms of well-being and less depression.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are many benefits to having animals. Most households have at least one pet. The CDC’s newsletter, “Healthy Pets Healthy People,” notes that being around and interacting pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as feelings of loneliness.

You can see why we harbor several four-pawed, winged and finned friends at Otterbein Portage Valley. Of course, we also invite families to visit with well-behaved pets for residents to enjoy. Be warned, though, most everyone will want a hug and kiss from your furry friend!
 

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