A SOUTH-EAST Queensland local council initiative has enabled 76-year-old Lorraine Turlecky to “complete” her family.
She is one of about 80 Logan City Council residents over the past seven years paired with an older, lost or abandoned dog or cat under the council’s free Senior Pets for Senior People program.
Maltese Rosie was rehomed with the Kingston woman after being abandoned at the council pound.
“Rosie is great company and so well-behaved,” Lorraine said.
“I shower her with love and she gives it back to me.
“A dog completes a home.”
Mounting scientific evidence shows older people reap substantial health benefits from pets.
Councillor Jennie Breene, whose portfolio includes LoganCity’s animal management programs, says rehoming provides a much preferred alternative to euthanasing unwanted pets.
“Many animal refuges share the problem of finding it more difficult to rehome an older animal – puppies and kittens are always more popular,” she said.
“Our solution has been to find compatible homes for mature and settled cats and dogs free of charge to our seniors.”
Studies have found that seniors who own a dog or cat experience less depression, lower blood pressure and better heart health.
They are less lonely, more relaxed, sociable and active, and are switched on to learning new things. Older people with a dog or cat typically make 30 per cent fewer visits to the doctor in a year.
