Animals

Senior

pets Animal matters | KIM ARANHA

Ahhhhh, old age! When I was young, I was told that old age was not for “sissies”- not using the negative spin on that word, using the definition that was intended at first: meaning feeble and cowardly. Alas, it is true, aging has so many pitfalls and negative moments that come as an ugly surprise because we were never going to grow older, just those around us.

I know I still think as I did 40 ears ago, and when I see old photos of myself, I wonder where “she” has gone. But those of us who are lucky to live long enough to age, have to look the years straight in the face, thank God we are still here, and avail ourselves of the different tools and aids to make growing older easier.

Now, that is humans. It is not nearly as easy for animals, because without the help of humans they have no idea how to avail themselves of the miracles of modern medicine and science. If you happen to be a beloved pet, then your family will be right there to do everything on earth to make your aging easier and comfortable, like our beloved Buddy.

Buddy is now 14 and a half years old. He has a wobbly gait and sometimes getting up on the tiles can be difficult, but almost always there is somebody to give him a helping hand. This is done by reaching around his “waist” and gently helping him stand and remaining there until he gets his balance. Buddy finds getting up out of his bed easiest, and we have beds everywhere. There are also grip socks for dogs that help give them traction. The drawback with them is that they work themselves off every five minutes, and Buddy is not really a fan. A friend of mine told me that her dog, Gabby, a beautiful senior lady, actually calls them to put on her socks, but then that’s girls for you!

In the event of total loss of the use of back or front legs, there is a vast variety of “wheelchairs” to help handicapped dogs get around. With a senior dog, the discussion needs to be had with your vet if he is well enough on all other counts to handle the wheelchair route. I have a sling to help Buddy walk, but I have not had to use it because though he looks a little tipsy, he is totally capable of doing more than one inspection tour of both the front and back gardens, something, incidentally, that gives him great pleasure.

Old age and the mental side are also challenge. Anybody else lose their keys, glasses and phone multiple times a day? Guilty as charged; so frequently that it is a family joke. My Buddy gets a bit confused and suddenly issues a single woof. I think he is looking for one of us or reassurance, because when we go to him, and he sees us he inevitably gets up and joins us where we are and is content. This woof is totally different from the one to let him out or the one that signals he has heard something outside. Sometimes he gets into bed at night and woofs. If I go and stroke him for a couple of minutes he stretches out and falls asleep.. Bottom line is that you have to be patient and understanding. Old age hits us all, our pets too. Dementia and Alzheimer’s as well; treat them as you would like to be treated.

Hearing and eyesight can falter too in animals. We humans wear glasses, hearing aids, have cataracts, well, so do animals. Buddy is a bit hard of hearing, so we have devised some sign language. Fortunately, his eyesight is still pretty good. Interesting though, if “his” boy, our son Scott, drives up, Buddy recognises the sound of his truck immediately, and is right there at the door.

As long as your senior has quality of life, is not in pain, enjoys his food and other aspects of his life, he deserves, as does a human, to enjoy his old age peacefully, and with loving care and understanding.

Euthanasia is not an option if they are still enjoying their lives. Euthanasia is not a way to do away with the inconvenience of caring for a senior, or to make room for a puppy or kitten or younger horse, bunny rabbit, bird etcetera.

Senior pets have given us their unconditional love, and when they get old, we need to recognise this love and devotion by being there for them

Remember, when you point a finger at something there are two pointing back at you. One day you will need love, care and understanding from oth-

SENIOR citizen Buddy

PET OF THE WEEK

Seeking Suzy

By The Bahamas Humane Society

“What? There’s a cat behind me? That’s OK. It’s me you want to get to know. My name’s Suzy and I’m one of many cats available for adoption at the Bahamas Humane Society. Why pick me? Because I’m older (out of my kitten days but by no means old), I’ll be calmer than your average kitten. I’m already spayed, so no babies to worry about. I’m curious and like to see what’s going on around me. And I like to be around humans, and that’s you! Please call 323-5138 for more information or come into the BHS to meet me. I look forward to seeing you!”

•Need a cat or dog spayed or neutered? The BAARK/BHS Sunday Spay Days will be happening every other Sunday September to November, with the next date being October 3. For more information, and an appointment date, please call 427-7729.