Meet Annie. This stout, aging Australian patrols the hallways at Samaritan Village Care Center and often sticks her nose in one of the resident's rooms for a little visit and an ear scratch.
These guys are there to watch when one sits in the lobby. They eat, they play, they peck, they groom one another and themselves.
Animals such as these provide a wonderful, life-affirming presence. I know how much Mom has wisted for a pet -- a cat or a bird -- since she's lived in retirement housing. If only I had known -- one place, the Peridot, does set aside a section for residents who want to keep pets.
Meet Annie. This stout, aging Australian patrols the hallways at Samaritan Village Care Center and often sticks her nose in one of the resident's rooms for a little visit and an ear scratch.
These guys are there to watch when one sits in the lobby. They eat, they play, they peck, they groom one another and themselves.
Animals such as these provide a wonderful, life-affirming presence. I know how much Mom has wisted for a pet -- a cat or a bird -- since she's lived in retirement housing. If only I had known -- one place, the Peridot, does set aside a section for residents who want to keep pets.
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11 comments:
GJ, pets can mean so much...
Your Christmas post made me cry..I remember your Mom's angel on the door of her apartment in December's past..and for thinking of my dear friend alone on Christmas day..How could I be so thoughtless? Next year..December 25, my house..unless of course you have a better offer like Alaskan visitors:)
I used to take my German Shepherd into the care home where my mother was in respite care for a while. The residents were all over him and I had to visit their rooms, by request so they could pat him and give him treats. He thoroughly enjoyed himself and it made me realise how valuable this animal/human contact is. They say you live longer if you have a pet.
Hey -- I've got it marked on my new calendar, tho I absolutely forbid guilt trips. No. No. No.
Avus -- I can believe about the animals. Mom used to love the pet visits at her previous home. Also great -- the little kids visiting for Halloween or Christmas.
I've noticed that both young and old are attracted to animals. We took our dog to the Grand Canyon on Christmas, and it was always the kids and the elderly that stopped to say hello to him and give him a quick pet. Once he grows out of his excitable ways he might actually learn to enjoy the attention.
Tombo -- my street has no squirrels because of all the pets who live hereabouts, of the canine & feline persuasion. Not that this has any effect on the javelina. Most of the tame critters are reasonably friendly, tho my MaxCat takes his time warming up to an ear scratch. Of course, he's part Siamese & consequently allowed to remain somewhat aloof.
My cockers used to go to the nursing home my dad was staying in. They always brought smiles to the residents.
I am a firm believer in the positive benefits animals bring humans. Animals also lower our blood pressure and reduce our stress which probably leads to longer life.
QD -- good commentary on all pets, with the possible exception of my MaxCat who still likes to bite, after all these years. The main problem has to do with Breakfast, which is #1 item in the morning -- all of a quarter of a small can of cat food. I had to deny him my bedroom, because of how he chose to wake me up. However, I've discovered that an afternoon or evening nap with the cat curled up beside me is safe, since he's already head his Breakfast!
I love your Mother's angel.
I believe pets have much to offer us humans. They touch us in ways we are not even aware of.
hugs.
meggie -- isn't that angel neat? I debated whether I should put it up, but it seemed a waste to leave her sitting in the box!
I'm still a bit torn up about losing my cats. After the mother lived 19 1/2 years, and her son 22 years, it's still strange to be without them.
But I'm so extremely allergic that I really shouldn't have any more. This one time, the health *downside* outweighs the proven health benefits.
It's hard to be without them. Sleeping with the cats was one of the greatest comforts of my life.
When my grandmother Helen was in a home here (in Boca Raton), they made sure to arrange Dog Visits. They weren't nearly as frequent as I wanted, but still it was great to have. Helen loved dogs and always had one, so she got a big kick out of those visits. They really cheered everyone up.
k -- I miss having Max by my side at night, but the health benefits of no infected bites is more important! It's all about his demands for Breakfast the moment he thinks it's time for me to get up.
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