Seniors & Seniors

It's a sad fact.  Domestic animals die from euthanization.   They're not being euthanized because they're suffering from serious pain related to terminal disease.  They've being euthanized because someone at home decided to get rid of the animal.  The average age has been 7.  The life span of the majority of dogs is 12 to 15 years.  For cats, 15 to 17.  On a daily basis, thousands of dogs & cats are being euthanized simply because they are 7 years old or above.

One of my favorite human seniors is a vibrant, entergetic 86 years old.  Just before Christmas, she contacted me to say that she was all set to buy a puppy & what did I think?  Would I be upset?  

 I encouraged her to ask her primary care physican what he thought about the idea.  His response was no to a puppy but yes to a dog or a cat.  She asked me to find her a dog.  Only if she arranged for the necessary care to be in place in the event she became incapicated or died.  She said her family would step up. I asked that she get it in writing and ensure enough money was in place to pay the expenses.  I didn't want to be part of another animal being dropped off at the shelter.  

Her family's response?  No.  

Of course she's upset.  

I don't know how this is going to end as the saga is still going on.  We're exploring options. 

 But I have learned. 

As I become more aware of my own finitity, I realize I have a responsibility to those I leave behind & possibly alone.  I have begun the work of putting my life in order.  I have asked a daughter if she is willing to take on the responsibilities of my 3 seniors;  cat, dog, & fish.  Fortunately, she feels she can.  She agreed  because she can see them in her life for the next 1 to 5 years.   After that time & if I am still around,  I will have another dog or a cat.  They'll be adopted seniors from a foster care program and chosen with the idea that I will outlive them.  I will make sure there are funds to cover for their care by another or that they're set to be readmitted into the same foster care program in the event of my not being able to care for them.   

Whether you're 55 or older, an adult child considering a pet for your senior parent..., consider a senior pet.  Senior Pets have better manners, a great sense of humor, and are appreciative of the ordinary & routine nature of life.  

www.in_home_petsitting.com

Cats & Vacations

It's not often I receive a call from people asking me to watch out for their cat.  It seems many believe if food & a litter box are available, their cat will be fine.  

Maybe.  

If your absense isn't any longer than double your usual time away from home.  Such as an 8 hour work shift.  That means 16 hours tops.  Your cat may begin to develop anxiety issues the longer you stay away.  The worse I've seen is feral-behavior and it doesn't always resolve.  

During your extended absense you need to ensure your cat's emotional well-being as well as their physical.  That's the point of a pet-sitter.

I clean & change the litter, freshen their water and provide new feed in a clean dish.  And I stay an hour.  I stay an hour in order to keep your cat company.  I talk to your cat even though she may be hiding out.  That's why I ask where your cat hides.   I bring along a feathered string mounted on a stick.  

My jeans are sprayed with cat-nip.  I visit and talk.  By the week's end, they put in an appearance when they hear my voice.  

Some cats are gregarious from the start.  They greet me at the door, eager for attention.  I still stay an hour.  That is why I asked if you have toys or a hairbrush.  Something to do.  

Other cats want to be held.  I stay an hour.  I don't text or check my Facebook pages.  I hold your cat.  That's why I asked if the two of you have a favorite chair.  

If you have more cats, yes I do the same for them within the hour.  I charge by the visit first and then a nominal fee for each additional cat.  I give attention, likely more than they got the last few days while you were home getting ready to go.  

Cats are aware of what happens inside & outside their home.  Cats hold themselves accountable for the safety & well-being of those within their space.  I've seen a cat become a warrior, ready to sacrifice herself for a child.  I've had mouse-heads presented to me when I've entered their home.  

I like cats.   www.in-home-petsitting.com

585-506-6270