Asking for the leash

BOB ROTH | COLUMNIST

As I prepare for a conference this week, one of my most difficult challenges is leaving my pet — who to leave them with and how they will be cared for. Thinking about the feelings I have for our almost 3-year-old yellow Labrador Ruby, I chose to revisit a relevant topic as we consider what is best for the fur babies and our loved ones.

Helping our loved ones navigate the realities of aging can be heart wrenching, such as recognizing when it is time to give up the family pet. As life revolves full circle, you may find yourself in the position of taking away the dog from the very person who rounded out your childhood experiences by including a pet in the happy chaos. A quick search of the literature includes exponentially more information to support the advantages of pet therapy for a wide range of disorders and diseases. However, according to American Pet Products Association

(APPA), Baby Boomers, the historically largest segment of the pet owner’s market (37%) are nearing a point where they are no longer able to care for a pet. So, what happens when a dose of reality does not include the “hair of the dog?”

It is a heartbreaking dilemma for those suffering from debilitating diseases to consider a new home for their faithful companion. The physical and emotional stress that affects the patient and family caregivers can also adversely affect proper pet care. Some pets may even mirror the declining condition of their owners. Poor hygiene and worsening behavior may be a clue that your pet needs a change.

Other signs that it may be time to find a new home for your pet include:

• Physical condition limits the ability to provide your pet with adequate exercise

• Inability to drive or use public transit to purchase food and supplies or take him to the vet

• Injuries incurred while attempting to care for the pet

• Medical treatments causing lethargy, increasing difficult to provide care

• Numerous medical bills that make it financially unable to provide care, especially if your pet also has serious medical condition requiring treatment

• Pet is noticeably unhappy due to lack of attention, exercise or other care

If you recognize these circumstances, it is always better to start executing a plan rather than react in panic mode. It is so stressful when rallying around an aging family member and the juggling act includes what to do with the family pet. Though it is difficult to accept, don’t delay after coming to this conclusion. Being an active participant in the re-homing of the pet is paramount.

Ultimately, asking a loved one to adopt the pet is usually the most ideal solution, especially since he or she is already familiar with them. Even if they can’t take them in, friends and family are also great resources for potential adopters. Confirm that your pet has a clean bill of health from the veterinarian and is up to date on all vaccinations.

If your aging senior signed an adoption contract when they first got their pet, they may be required to return it to the same person or organization. Some rescue groups specify that an animal must be returned to it, so contact the organization if you’re unable to find the contract.

Reach out to rescue organizations. They may have foster families available to take in your pet or help you interview adoption candidates to find the right home.

Though you’ll pass on many of your pet’s supplies to their adopter — like the food and water dishes, favorite toys and bed — consider holding onto a keepsake, like a collar, that will serve as a reminder of this special time in their life.

When the transition period ends and the inevitable occurs, your loved one will need support. Encourage your aging loved one to keep in touch with the adopter to receive updates to ease their anxiety for the wellbeing of their beloved pet. Don’t be afraid to talk about the pet; though it may seem insensitive, it’s often helpful to the grieving process to reminisce. Keep an eye out for depressive symptoms including fatigue, social withdrawal, loss of appetite or weight loss, loss of interest in hobbies and neglecting personal care. Giving up a pet is a devastating situation but when the pet’s well-being and your loved one’s own are at stake, it is the best choice for everyone. JN