Companionship at Any Age: Seniors and Pets
The Bark of the Town
Enjoy the Day with Your Pups!
Our community offers so many opportunities for you to enjoy the day with your pup! Here are some pawfect ways for you and your furry friend to spend the day together:
Island Dog Park, 200 White Pine Lane, Stevensville.
White March Dog Park, 200 Bloomfields Farm Lane, Centreville
Matapeake Dog Beach & Trail, 201 Clubhouse Drive, Stevensville
Dog Park & Beach Rules and Regulations
•Limit: 2 dogs per person/handler
•No female dogs in heat are allowed in the parks
•All dogs must have up-to-date vaccinations
•A dog handler must be 16 years of age or older unless accompanied by an adult
•Dogs must never be left unattended
•Only dogs 25lbs or less are to enter the small dog area.
•All dogs must be off leash while in fenced area of parks
•All dogs must be on leash at all times when outside of a fenced area
•All dogs must be on leash at Matapeake Dog Beach unless playing in the water
•All dogs must wear a collar ID. No spike, choke or prong collars allowed at parks
•Owners are responsible for the immediate cleanup of pet waste. Doggie bags and receptacles are available at the park
•Aggressive behavior by dogs and owners is strictly prohibited
•Dog handlers/owners are responsible for any injury or damage caused by their dog(s) and are solely responsible for their dog’s actions
•For a dog-related emergency, call QAC Animal Control: 410-758-2393
Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center – To bring your dog(s) to CBEC, you must be a member and purchase a dog membership for your pet. Your dog then can enjoy the CBEC beach and four miles of hiking trails. Dogs must be six months or older and be current with vaccinations. Dog sanitary stations are located throughout the property. Dogs must always be on a six-foot leash except when enjoying the beach area. Please visit www.bayrestoration.org/activities-overview/ dogs for additional information about bringing your dog(s) to CBEC.
Many local restaurants are also pet friend. Be certain to call before heading out with your pet to ensure they are pet friendly and if there are any restrictions.
Bridges Restaurant – outdoor dining areas enhance the dining experience, especially when accompanied by dogs.
The Jetty – dogs are more than welcome at the outdoor tables and enjoy a treat from the “Pups on the Patio” dog menu.
Red Eye’s Dock Bar – pets welcome at outdoor tables on both the porch and patio. Bark Barbecue Café – relax with your pup at one of the outdoor tables. Big Bats Café – pet-friendly and offers a mini dog menu. Cult Classic Brewing – dogs allowed on the patio, but not inside. Doc’s Riverside Grille – excellent choice for lunch or dinner with your dog.
Pets are good for health and great company as well. A pet can give new meaning to the life of a senior including certain health benefits such as physical exercise, reducing stress and improving social activity. Pets also have positive effects on seniors with heart conditions and can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and feelings of depression.
Pets also come with certain requirements for ongoing care, which may not be suitable for everyone. Pets are entirely dependent on their owners for daily activities such as exercise, feeding and grooming. Expenses such as food, treats, vet visits, regular pet health checks and pet sitter fees can become expensive. A pet’s dander and saliva may make allergies worse, and owning a pet may limit an owner’s freedom to travel. Remember… to find the right pet, decide what meshes with your abilities, likes and lifestyles.
Cats As Pets – Cats were first domesticated about 5,000 years ago to help farmers with mice and rodents. Today, they are a source of companionship and offer unconditional love to their owners and are often less needy than dogs. Cats don’t need a lot of space and care is minimal and low maintenance. They don’t need to be taken out for bathroom or exercise walks. Cats are self-groomers and can be left alone for longer periods than dogs. As with other pets, cats do require regular visits to a vet for medical check-ups and vaccinations.
Dogs As Pets – When it comes to dogs, consider whether you want a small, cuddly one or a larger, more active dog that can run and play. Take your time in deciding. Visit your local animal shelters and pet rescue organizations. If allowed, take dogs for walks to assess their energy levels. Some things to consider in making your decision are the dog’s energy level, size, age, temperament and grooming requirements.
Some of the best dog breeds for seniors include smaller breeds such as beagles, Bichon Frise’s, Corgis, Pomeranians, Shih Tzu’s, Poodles and Pugs. Pure breeds tend to be more expensive to acquire and sometimes pricier to maintain. Remember that sometimes your best option is to visit your local animal shelter or rescue organization to see what they have available for adoption. Larger breeds include Golden Retrievers, Greyhounds and Labrador Retrievers.
Local organizations that can help with selecting a pet:
•Animal Welfare League of Queen Anne’s County (AWL), Queenstown. 410758-0153, info@awlqac.org, www.awlqac.org. A 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to saving and improving the lives of homeless animals.
•Chesapeake Cats and Dogs, 326 Wye Mills Road, Queenstown. 410-6439955. info@chesapeakecatsanddogs.org, www.chesapeakecatsanddogs.org, A 501(c)(3) non-profit that is a lifetime haven and no-kill animal rescue organization dedicated to providing a second chance for cats and dogs that have been abandoned, abused, lost, strayed or surrendered.
•Queen Anne’s County Animal Services, 201 Clay Drive, Queenstown. 410827-7178, www.qac.org/1425/Animal-Services.
GOLDEN PAW
DeeDee McCracken of
