A volunteer group is calling out for help to anyone interested in assisting with caring for dogs of seniors.
Originally formed in 2009, ElderDog provides trained and screened volunteers to help people, aged 55 and older, in attending to dog walking, trips to the veterinarian and temporary foster care should the owner have to be hospitalized, noted a press release. The non-profit also assists in facilitating permanent re-homing of dogs with pet owners.
“All of these services are provided for free with no cost to the owner because ElderDog truly understands that older owners can find it increasingly difficult to provide their dog with the exercise, stimulation and other care required,” the press release said.
There are chapters in eight provinces, with one in Nanaimo that opened in 2020. Volunteers are happy to provide service, the press release said.
One volunteer was introduced to a 12-year-old Papillon-chihuahua last March and has been walking Rusty twice a week since that time, after the pet’s owner began suffering chronic knee pain, stated the press release. While the owner initially feared that she would have to give up Rusty, the ElderDog volunteer’s efforts have provided peace of mind.
“Rusty is brighter, happier, more content and healthier because he is getting exercise and meets new people,” the pet’s owner said in the press release.
For more information, call 1-855-336-4226, e-mail info@elderdog.ca or go to www.elderdog.ca.
RELATED: Non-profit seeks senior dog care volunteers in Nanaimo