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| © AllThingsDogBlog.com Puppy Oliver Bonded Early with "Grandma" |
Daily pet care such as feeding, walking and grooming adds an
element of parenting that is familiar and gives seniors a warm relationship
with their pet. This companionship often builds on both ends, leaving the pair
with mutual affection that keeps spirits up and brings purpose to both.
Many elderly citizens who have lost a spouse find themselves
falling into a depression as their routine is disrupted and life appears to
have little to offer. Adding a pet at this stage can be a wonderful way to
brighten the days of a loved one, if they are capable of providing the
necessary care for a reasonable period of time.
When my own mother called to ask me to help her find a dog,
I knew our recent adoption of Oliver had really tugged at her heartstrings.
Having left the little fella with her for puppy sitting on several occasions,
it did not take long for her to envision life with a doggie companion. And
obviously that vision was a good one.
We searched Petfinder for several weeks to locate a Papillon
in our area. Mom had
gotten her heart set on mirroring the sweet little face of
Oliver that she had grown to love. Her new dog, Jacque, has turned out to be a beautiful
boy. Handsome just doesn’t do him justice. He has an exquisite face and an affection
for her that is immediately evident when they are reunited.
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| © AllThingsDogBlog.com Mom with Her Boys |
Having recently been injured, Mom is going through a healing
process and rebuilding her strength. Walking energetic Jacque has now become a
challenge, but we’re here to provide backup care. Jacque has integrated into
our family well, enjoying a familial relationship with Oliver and Tanner, while
electing to see Patches as prey. Not to worry; Patches knows how to protect
herself and we’ve taken measures to give her some space.
To protect Patches from Jacque’s approaches and him from her
claws, we established a mid-section of the house to set up a gate. Her private space
is located in the area that he cannot access, but she is able to easily jump
the barrier if she decides to brave his chase in order to check out the
upstairs, one of her favorite hangouts.
Both spend time on our large screened porch for physical
activities like lizard chasing, checking out the garden, and encouraging Tanner
as he swims and Fetches. Jacque has accompanied us to dog park outings, enjoys
visiting the pet superstores, is improving in his leash walking manners, and especially
loves having visitors.
One way we’ve helped Mom to continue on the road to wellness
is by making sure she gets visits with Jacque. Whether she comes here or we
bring him to check out his old toys, both light up with joy when they see one
another. Clearly there’s a bond that gives my Mother a reason to do her
exercises and continue to get stronger. Mom’s motivation is Jacque! 
Join us each week for the Weekly Wag bonding series, held during the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop. The hop is hosted by Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers, and Confessions of the Plume. You are welcome to link up here, or check any of their sites for their rules of participation. Happy hopping! 
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