GIVE A FURRY FRIEND A LOVING HOME Over 5 million animals arrive at animal shelters annually and more than 800,000 animals are euthanized every year. If you decide to adopt a furry friend, you’re saving their life and giving them a second chance to find a loving home. Pets are a great addition to any family — especially older adults. In honor of Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, here are a few reasons seniors should adopt a furry friend. Gives You Purpose Taking care of another living thing — like a four-legged friend — is a huge responsibility. Having pets gives us a purpose because they depend on us to live. You also can create an unbreakable bond with your furry friends. This companionship can decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can improve your mental health. Boosts Your Social Life You can take your pet to the park and meet other pet owners and bond with them. Walk your dog (and cat) whenever you get a chance; you never know who will initiate a conversation with you. Having a companion to take walks with will support an active and healthy lifestyle. So while your furry friend is getting their daily dose of exercise, you can too! By Adopting From an Animal Shelter
For me, spending time in nature is key to maintaining my mental health and wellness
Practice mindfulness. Paying more attention to the present moment can also improve your mental health. It can help you enjoy the world around you and help you understand yourself better. To practice mindfulness, consider your current thoughts, feelings, and body sensations. Don’t dwell on these items, but be aware of them. Doing this will give you a new perspective on life and what’s happening around you. If you want to practice being more mindful, try yoga and meditation. Both of these activities will help you develop an increased awareness of both your body and mental state. Not every tip or trick for improving mental health will work for you, so if you feel like you need help, never be afraid to ask. You’re not alone in your hardships, and there are resources and professionals available to assist you every step of the way.
If you would like to adopt a four-legged companion today, here are some animal centers and adoption facilities in our area.
Butler County Humane Society 1015 Evans City Rd. ButlerCountyHS.org
Puzzle Time!
This no-kill shelter’s mission is to provide temporary and safe homes to homeless cats and dogs until they find a forever home. You can donate money, volunteer time, and even foster animals. Go to the website for more information.
Orphans of the Storm OrphansOfTheStorm-PA.org
You can view furry friends that are up for adoption — and, in addition to this, older adults may qualify for a special sponsor pet. Volunteer options are available if you would like to make an impact on the lives of these animals in a different way.
When adopting a four-legged family member, it’s vital that you put them in your estate plan. If you have a pet, please contact me so we can properly plan for their future. If you have any questions visit FourLeggedFamilyMembers.com to learn more and get started.
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