Page 70 - The 'X' Chronicles Newspaper - Febrary/March 2020 Edition

70 Introducing Dr. Diane Pomerance

Best Dog Breeds for Older

People

Continued from Page 69

Malteses tend to be very sweet, loving
and docile. They love to be pampered and are
easily trained. Although they don’t shed, they
do require regular brushing to keep their coats
from becoming matted. They are also a good
choice for those who have allergies.
Yorkshire Terriers are feisty, fun-loving,
highly intelligent dogs that are very affectionate.
Like the Maltese, they require brushing and
grooming, but they do not shed and are good
low-allergy dogs.
Boston terriers are gentle, friendly,
playful dogs who have natural guardian
instincts. They generally get along well with
strangers as well as other pets. They are
affectionate andlove to be loved.
Pomeranians are very intelligent a and
resourceful. They are spunky and have a low them in school where they have turtles, bunnies, have asked yourself the following questions:
need for exercise. gerbils and hamsters in the classroom. Although
Schnauzers are very smart, energetic and the kids love every kind of animal, it seems they • How much time does my family realistically
feisty. They get along well with people of all are most enamored of the canine variety and have to spend with a pet?
ages including children and have happy and want a dog of their own. • How intelligent/trainable is the breed of
outgoing personalities. They require daily While the kids have been begging for a interest?
brushing and walking. dog for a long time (it seems like forever!) you • How well does it get along with other dogs?
Shih-Tzu’s are sweet-tempered and want to make certain that they (as well as you People?
extremely friendly. They make wonderful and your husband) are really ready to assume • How large is it, or if it’s a puppy, how large
indoor dogs, require very little exercise. A daily responsibility for the life of another living being will it get?
walk will usually suffice. They have long hair that will reside in your home. Your little boy is • Is the dog good (patient and trustworthy)
that must be groomed regularly unless their hair 8 –his sister is 5. You want your kids to learn with children?
is cut short. responsibility. Still, ultimately you will be the • How much exercise and space will it
There are many wonderful dogs that primary caregiver and supervisor of your require?
would make excellent companions for seniors. children. Are you all ready to share this • Is my backyard fenced so that my dog can
Those that I have described are small breeds that responsibility? safely run and play and not escape?
because of their size, weight, grooming and Before you adopt your new canine, do • Can we afford to take care of a pet?
exercise needs, make them perfectpets for the your homework!!! Go on the Internet. Read • Its food and medical costs?
elderly. However, having researched the breed about and research the various breeds of dogs
of dog you feel is best suited to your personality that most appeal to you and your family and Once you’ve determined that you can
and lifestyle, follow your heart. determine which seem most compatible with care for a pet, take the pet you’ve selected to a
There are many wonderful dogs that your personalities and lifestyle. Decide if you veterinarian (ask pet-owning friends for
would make excellent companions for seniors. want to purchase a dog from a breeder (make referrals) for a check-up to determine if he’s
Those that I have described are small breeds that sure he’s reputable and has references!) or if healthy or prone to any health problems. Your
because of their size, weight, grooming and you’d like to adopt an animal that is in need of a vet should provide you with a vaccine and
exercise needs, make them perfect pets for the loving home from a shelter or “rescue” group. regular exam schedule. Ask him to recommend
elderly. However, having researched the breed There are countless breed specific rescue the food and diet best suited to your dog’s needs.
of dog you feel is best suited to your personality groups across the country, which feature It is a good idea to have your pet tattooed or
and lifestyle, follow your heart. You will find purebred representatives of virtually every kind micro chipped by your vet as a permanent means
the joyful and rich friendship and of dog from Mastiffs to Dachshunds. These of identification should he get lost or stolen.
companionship you desire. Your life will be rescue groups are easily located on the Internet Also, inquire about flea, tick and heartworm
truly blessed and enriched by adopting the right and commonly feature a gallery of dogs prevention and spaying/neutering.
dog for you. available for adoption along with details about Once you learn that the pet is in good
the animal’s age, health and personality. health, make your home dog friendly and safe
There are many wonderful, healthy and both inside and out. Check the fence to make
Introducing A Pet Into loving animals that have been abused neglected certain your dog won’t be able to escape. Inside,
or abandoned and are in need of loving homes. determine where your pet will eat and sleep.
The Family Too many pets end up in shelters or in rescue Provide bedding and separate bowls for his food

organizations simply because their owners and water.
You’ve finally made the decision. After lengthy lacked sufficient understanding about the breed Have the family decide on the pet’s
discussions as to the pros and cons of owning a they selected. Perhaps you can adopt an animal name, then purchase a comfortable, secure
pet, you’ve decided that the time is right. Your in need of a home!!! Go together as a family so collar, an identification tag with his name and
children are no longer infants; they have spent you can see how each of you interacts with a your phone number, and a leash. When your
plenty of quality time with Aunt Trudy’s potential adoptee. Most organizations or family is ready to take your pet home, each of
Labrador Retriever, “Sunny” and her Siamese shelters have special visiting areas and afford you should pet and speak soothingly and
cat, “Simone”. They have played with a you the opportunity to “play” or visit with the comfortingly to him. As easily and gently as
neighbor’s German Shepherd. Uncle Fred has animal. Jointly decide which animal is best possible, put on his new collar, name tag and
brought his Border Collie,” Billy” over to the suited for your family. leash. Speak softly and calmly as you guide and
house many times. The kids have also learned Before you take the final step of actually help him into your car. Gently pet him.
about animal companions and how to care for purchasing or adopting a pet, make sure you (Continued on Page 71)