Lick Therapy and Wag Tail Welcomes!

Are you ready for an attitude adjustment? As you enter your silver years, changes – both good and bad - happen. Your mental attitude can overcome your body. The old adage “you are as young as you think” is true. If you think young, you will live longer and your health will be better.

Positive aspects of the silver years include your life experience. You have now attained that senior position at work where you are approached with respect – the one the others look to for guidance. You get to age gracefully and you no longer have children depending upon you for physical care.

As you look forward to retirement, particularly if you are single, negative aspects begin to creep in - sadness, loneliness, or depression. If you live alone, banishing that isolation and loneliness may be as simple as adopting a pet. Your life has become too quiet, too predictable. “Lick therapy” is in order!

Visit an animal shelter and get reacquainted with the wagging tails! If your self-image is flagging, a pet will love you unconditionally whether you have wrinkles or gray hair. Caring for a pet gives you that feeling of being needed and provides a social outlet, particularly if your dog demands that walk in the park. You may want to pick an older pet, rather than trying to train a younger animal. A mature animal matches your slower pace and may be content to cuddle.

As you and your new friend become acquainted, think about sharing your canine with the community. Hospitals and nursing homes are eager to have a well-behaved dog and handler visit to spread joy. Teach him tricks and suddenly the two of you are in demand! If you’ve adopted a cat, there seem to be fewer visitation programs, but some facilities may welcome you, so ask.