Elderly encouraged to adopt Guide Dogs

The UK charity Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is aiming to make more senior citizens aware of the merits of owning a guide dog. Despite the indications of its title, the charity extends its services to all senior citizens; not only to those who are blind or partially sighted.

It is a generally accepted fact that pet ownership is beneficial for all ages and walks of life. Pets increase the sense of meaning and well-being in owners.

An article in Dogs.co.uk also notes that guide dogs are particularly suitable pets for the elderly. They provide a sense of companionship and meaning at a stage of life that is often increasingly lonely.

The responsibility of pet ownership can then provide the elderly with a much higher quality of life than would otherwise be the case.

Because the elderly face a particular set of challenges, especially during the later stages of their lives, the Association believes that guide dogs would make perfect companions for them. According to the charity, many elderly persons have successfully adopted guide dogs.

When adopting a guide dog, the new owner receives all the necessary equipment and training to care for the dog. Owners can even request funding to cover their pets’ vet and dog food bills.

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