THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE FURRY Connie Hixson and her bichon frisé pal Rex visit at the Sequim Dog Park with fellow dog owners Al and Rosemary Ruffner and their canine companion Reggie, a bull terrier. Photo by Ashley Oden Senior pet owners give the inside scoopby ASHLEY ODENStaff writer It's not a cut and dry decision to get a cat or dog at any age. Animals ? whether it's a great Dane, a house cat or a turtle " require responsibility and most people have enough responsibility in their lives to fill an empty storage unit. But the consensus of Sequim seniors seems to be in favor of Fido and Fluffy despite the extra work. The seniors, and scientific research, clearly state that animals can have a positive influence on older people?s lives. In a classic 1974 study, two English researchers Mugford and McKominsky provided older single persons with three forms of 'counseling.' The first group was visited by a social worker on a regular basis and received a plant. The second group was also visited by a social worker and received an animal. The third group had social worker visits without any extras. After a period of about five months, the three groups were compared and results showed that the presence of a pet had an obvious effect on the older people?s lives and their physical and mental states. Instead of complaining about aches, pains and other life troubles, the individuals were talking more and more about their new ?roommate.? The pet not only facilitated contact with other men and women, it strengthened the individuals' self-esteem while improving their overall fitness and contentedness, according to animalprotection.com. Sequim seniors Connie Hixson and Rosemary Ruffner back up Mugford and McKominsky?s theory about pet ownership. "Pets get you out of the house and around people," Ruffner said. "They keep you company and are especially good for people who are feeling a little down. Being responsible for a dog (or other animal) takes your mind off yourself." ?For me, having a dog is good socialization,? agreed Hixson, who met and became friends with Ruffner at the Sequim Dog Park. ?The dog park has been wonderful for meeting fellow dog owners, and Rex has made friends too,? she said, reaching down and petting her 1-year-old bichon frisé. Both women admit that being pet owners is not all fun and throwing balls in the park. "They do tie you down a little bit,? Hixson said. "It's not as easy to just pack up and go somewhere. You have to make preparations far in advance.? When Hixson wants to go out of town and can?t take the dog with her, she boards Rex at Aunt Harriet's Bed N' Biscuit. Ruffner chooses to use Dungeness Ranch Pet Resort for her 4-year-old bull terrier Reggie. Veterinary bills are another downside. Hixson had to pay $750 for Rex to have surgery after he swallowed a needle and thread. But every penny was worth it, she assured. ?Vet bills can be expensive, but as a member of the family that?s not a problem. There was no question about what we would do.? The pros outweigh the cons of owning a pet any day of the week, Hixson said. ?It?s another beating heart who loves you in the house. And they do love you unconditionally.? Hixson and her husband have been dog owners since retirement. The same is true for Ruffner and her husband. According to Rick Collord, Clallam County Humane Society executive director, pets are sometimes the best medicine on the market. "All the studies have shown for some time that a senior living with a pet is going to live longer," Collord said. ?Petting a cat, petting a dog or even watching a fish swim around its tank reduces a person?s blood pressure and encourages them to get up and be more active. It keeps you motivated caring for somebody else, even if that somebody has four legs or fins." The only warning Collord gives seniors, and younger generations too, about adopting pets is to pick one that is appropriate. "If you are elderly, don?t adopt a 150-pound Labrador, consider something a little smaller," he said. "If you work 14 hours a day or can't walk a dog regularly for whatever reason, consider adopting a couple of cats instead." Most importantly, pets create a sense of self worth, Collord said. "It's important to have something to live for, and pets are amazing for that." If an older person is afraid they can?t afford adoptions fees, don?t fret. The Clallam County Humane Society offers seniors an adoption discount. Things to consider about pet adoption for seniors, according to About.com:
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