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JULY 2018
ON THE MOVE
THE MOREA FAMILY DOG OUR HERO
G rowing up, I always wanted a dog. Having a furry best friend to raise and play with seemed so magical to me. Unfortunately, my parents drew a hard line: no pets. No matter how much my brother and I pleaded, they remained stalwart. I couldn’t wait to grow up and move out so I could finally have a dog of my own.
the office and his house, continually finding excuses to leave and check on the dog every 30 minutes or so. But it was all worth it to see the kids’ faces when they found Hero under the tree the next morning.
“A little masked puppy stepped into our lives and melted our hearts.”
Now Hero’s part of the family. The kids adore him and claim that his superpower is the fact that no one can
resist petting him. There’s a lot of truth to this. My wife, who still maintains that she would have preferred not to get a dog, nevertheless plays with Hero more than anyone else in the household, which is saying something! Even more magically, Hero managed to work his charms on my parents! Due to our busy lives and their proximity to us, my parents have become regular dogsitters for Hero, and boy do they adore him. If I didn’t come by in person to pick Hero up, I have a feeling they would never return him! Whenever I give my parents a call, the first question they ask isn’t about how I’m doing; it’s about the dog and when they might see him again. This incredible 180 shift is 100-percent Hero’s doing. Because of his heritage, he has both the playfulness of a Maltese and the intelligence of a poodle. He is very good at reading when people are in the mood to play and even better at winning them over when they find themselves on the fence. Hero’s favorite thing to do while at my parents’ house is to incite a chase by stealing the tissue my father carries in his pocket. The pocket is at eye level with the dog, and if just a corner of that tissue is poking out, Hero will have nabbed it in a heartbeat and be on his way around the living room. It’s quite a sight to see my parents trying to catch their breath while chasing this little dog around their house, laughing hysterically all the while. He keeps them in great shape and in a great mood. It’s become clear that Hero is a very special dog, able to win over even the most ardent naysayers when it comes to canines. Sometimes I bring him around the office, and he’s brought a lot of joy to our patients. We’re all lucky to have such an intelligent, charismatic dog. Hero’s ability to lighten everyone’s day truly is a superpower.
But as I learned, adult life is more … well, complicated. As much as I wanted to get a big dog, like a boxer, I was also looking to live in Manhattan at the time. I realized I didn’t want a four-legged roommate taking up half the apartment, especially one who couldn’t pay rent. For a time, I put my childhood dream of raising a dog on hold while I built my life as a physical therapist. Then I had kids of my own, and as they grew, my old dream came rushing back. I wanted to give my boys the experience I couldn’t have when I was their age: a dog to be their best friend. My wife was not on board with the idea and sounded a lot like my parents back in the day. Nevertheless, a little masked puppy stepped into our lives and melted our hearts. It all started five years ago in October, when my kids were taking art lessons conveniently close to a pet store. I’d come pick them up, and we’d walk over to play with the puppies the store had on offer. Among all the pets, there was this one little Maltipoo (half-Maltese and half-poodle) that my youngest son Matthew absolutely adored. A black spot of fur grew around its little eyes, giving the appearance of a superhero mask. My kids didn’t know it at the time, but “Hero” would soon be coming home with us! I arranged to pick up Hero on Christmas Eve, and I drove him straight from the pet store to my office. I needed to keep the little guy there overnight to surprise the boys on Christmas morning. Poor Hero was shaking very badly; being taken by a stranger to somewhere he’d never been was nerve-wracking. In fact, the nerves were so bad, he vomited a little on my feet. Understandably, I was terrified. I had the dog I’d always wanted but had no idea how to take care of him. To make matters worse, we were spending the holidays with my brother-in-law, meaning I had to drive back and forth between
–Dr. Robert Morea 718.747.2019 ▪ THEPTDOCTOR.COM ▪ 1
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T H E S E M A L L S W E R E M A D E F O R W A L K I N G
If you’re young at heart and looking to stay (or get) in shape this summer, consider taking a trip to the mall. No, not to pick up some hot new exercise product or dietary supplement, but to walk a few laps. Safe and convenient, “mall walking” has become one of the biggest trends in senior fitness. COOL IN THE SUMMER, WARM IN THE WINTER This time of year, heatstroke can be a real concern when exercising outside. But that doesn’t mean you have to be a homebody. Because malls are spacious and climate-controlled, they make great year-round walking venues, especially when summer temperatures spike. You don’t even need to put on sunscreen! REST STOPS ABOUND While the average American shopping center isn’t as scenic as the Appalachian Trail, they are far more convenient. Replete with bathrooms, cool drinking water, and plenty of benches, the mall lets you focus on exercising and removes all of the “what ifs” that come with aging. Most malls are also outfitted with EMT kits in the event of a medical emergency. SQUEEZE IN SOME SHOPPING It is still a mall, after all. Why not check a few items off your shopping list or reward yourself with a new pair of sneakers? Getting things done as you exercise makes the experience that much more rewarding. Just remember
not to overdo it. Carrying too many shopping bags can place undue stress on your back — and your wallet. YOU WON’T BE ALONE Today, malls are the second-most popular places to walk in America, after neighborhoods. Mall walking has become so big that many communities and senior living centers have put together official groups to stride together. Your local mall may already open early to accommodate walkers. So if you’re looking to make friends in an active, fun-loving community, do some research. Chances are there’s a mall-walking club near you!
SUCCE S S S TOR I E S !
Hear What Our Clients Are Saying!
“After the first visit, my walking was quite amazing.”
“I can now continue my life as an arm wrestler.”
“I could not walk in an upright manner or bend, especially rising in the morning. There is pain in my right thigh, knee, and lower back while walking, and sitting for a while would cause pain. All staff have
been very courteous, professional, and accommodating. I am 90-percent better so far. The doctor has been very informative, knowledgeable, and astute. My pains have been almost nonexistent. After the first visit, my walking was quite amazing.” –YVONNE C. L.
“Jenove did a great job of reducing the swelling and pain in my arm. I can now continue my life as an arm wrestler.”
–S. C.
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SHOULD YOU ADOPT A DOG?
Sudoku Train Your Brain With
The Benefits of Animal Companions in Old Age
A s Robert mentions on this month’s cover article, Hero the dog has brought a lot of joy to his parents. After hearing Hero’s story, you may be considering getting a dog of your own! We think that’s great. In fact, there’s a wealth of scientific research suggesting that dog ownership in retirement can keep you happier and healthier! PHYSICAL BENEFITS The American Heart Association found that pet ownership — and dog ownership in particular — could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. That’s because dogs keep us moving, whether we’re taking them for a walk or trying to chase down a stolen tissue. But these furry friends can do so much more than help us exercise. EMOTIONAL SUPPORT Animal behavior experts at the universities of Lincoln and Sao Paulo performed a joint study which showed dogs were capable of sensing “abstract mental states” in their owners. Being so adept at reading social cues makes dogs ideal for emotional support, especially for those young at heart. COMPANIONSHIP Linda Anderson, the founder of the Angel Animals Network in Minneapolis, says, “Older pet owners have often told us how incredibly barren and lonely their lives were without their pet’s companionship, even when there were some downsides to owning an active pet.” It’s important to keep these potential downsides in mind as you look for a pet that is right for you. FINDING THE RIGHT DOG Everyone has their own preferences on what makes a “good dog.” But as we age, it’s important to look for pets that fit our lifestyle. Smaller, hypoallergenic breeds are ideal if you plan on downsizing or entering a communal living environment. Trained dogs or dogs that are easy to train (like Hero’s Maltipoo mix) can also make life easier. VOLUNTEERING Full-time dog ownership is not for everyone. Housing or mobility restrictions may keep you from adopting, but you can still enjoy the benefits of being around dogs. Consider volunteering with the local animal shelter, where you can be a companion to dogs waiting to find a family.
Recipe of the Month:
Inspired by Good Housekeeping
KIELBASA KABOBS
This take on the classic Italian sausage and peppers uses fully cooked Polish kielbasa so you can prep the kabobs and bring them to your next cookout.
INGREDIENTS
•
2 pounds fully cooked smoked kielbasa
• • • •
3 red bell peppers
2 cloves garlic, minced
• •
2 large onions
1/4 cup olive oil
2 green bell peppers
Salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat grill to medium. 2. In a small bowl, combine oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. 3. Cut pepper, onion, and kielbasa into 1-inch chunks. 4. Thread onto skewers, alternating ingredients. 5. Brush with oil mixture and grill, covered, 10–12 minutes.
[NOTE: If using bamboo skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning.]
The Physical Therapy Doctor team is full of pet lovers. We’d love to share our experiences with you and hear some of your own!
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INSIDE Our Hero
The Benefits of Mall Walking Hear From Our Clients Kielbasa Kabobs The Benefits of Dog Ownership for Seniors 6 Dog Mayors From Around the US
put together by an organization called Animal Rescue Friends, or ARF. As part of the election, area residents could nominate their cat or dog for mayor. During the inaugural event, 14 dogs and two cats ran for mayor, with Max leading the pack. Max was elected to a second term in 2013, but soon passed away after a battle with cancer. Thankfully, his successor was quickly appointed: Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller II. Brynneth Pawltro, Lucy Lou, Junior Cochran, and Goofy Borneman. These four dogs all hail from Rabbit Hash, Kentucky. Back in 1998, the people of Rabbit Hash decided to elect a dog mayor. That year, Goofy Borneman, a mixed breed, became the first in what would become a continuing tradition. He held the office until 2001, when he passed away at age 16. In 2004, Junior Cochran, a black Labrador, took on the role of mayor, but his term was plagued by scandal after he spent too much time hanging around the town’s general store — and Health and Safety was called. Then, he too died in office in 2008. Later that year, Lucy Lou, a border collie, was elected into office and became the town’s first female mayor. The good news is she saw her term through to the end, but she didn’t run for a second term. Instead, pitbull Brynneth Pawltro, or Brynn as his friends call him, ran and won. Today, you’ll find Brynn roaming Rabbit Hash, staying carefully out of Health and Safety’s way. FROM AROUND THE US 6 DOG MAYORS
When Politics Goes to the Dogs
Most towns and cities around the country play it safe: They elect humans to hold political office. But a few towns decided to do something a little different. They threw political formality to the wind and elected dogs to office. Here are a few popular pups from around the country. Duke. This Great Pyrenees became one of the most popular pups to hold elected office. He first ran for mayor in 2014 in Cormorant Township, Minnesota, and won by a landslide. He’s been in the mayoral race every year since then — and he’s won every time! Today, Duke is still in office, where he never misses a photo-op or a pat on the head.
Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller. This golden retriever was first elected to office in 2012 in Idyllwild, California. His election was part of an initiative
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