WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2023
1B
THE COASTLAND TIMES
Senior Living
DANIELLE PULEO PHOTO
Beverly Stimmel, Nancy Maturo and Cathy Pfendler with Maturo’s 10-year-old dog Dudley.
Changing lives, one pet at a time By Danielle Puleo danielle.puleo@thecoastlandtimes.com
Studies have shown that owning a pet can offer a wide array of benefits. The University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine researched the topic and concluded that “dog ownership and walking were related to increases in physical health among older adults.” The National Institute of Health found that owning a pet may help “alleviate loneliness and improve feelings of depression.” Animal Humane, a nonprofit organization
in Washington, DC reported: “The human-animal bond positively contributes towards healthy aging in several areas, including: mental health, anxiety, stress, depression, Alzheimer’s and dementia, physical health, physical activity, cancer, quality of life, pain management and early detection.” The Coastland Times reached out to the community to see how pet ownership has impacted the lives of their senior citizens. Gail Sonnesso with Gentle Expert Memorycare (GEM) shared that her
dog, Shadow, has greatly benefited both her and her husband Angelo. The couple adopted Shadow from a local shelter and have treasured their time together thus far. Shadow needed additional veterinary care and medications upon adoption, which the shelter helped with. “Thanks to the shelter, we were able to get his needs met,” Gail shared. Not only has Shadow served as a welcomed companion, he also helps to guide Angelo through the house. Gail said, “Angelo is blind, and the dog now takes him right over to packages that get dropped off.”
Through GEM, Gail has met numerous senior pet-owners that have helped her see what a difference an animal can make in the lives of those who are looking for companionship. One of these proud promoters of senior pet-ownership, 80-year-old Nancy Maturo, was happy to share her experience her current dog, Dudley. Maturo adopted 10-year-old Dudley from the Outer Banks SPCA when he was around 4-years-old. Since day one,
See Changing, 3B
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