Hang out with dog owners long enough and you'll hear someone refer to a dog's owner as the dog's parent. Sounds silly at first, but dogs and cats serve a great purpose for humans because that unconditional love they have for their owners provides a feeling the humans may not get anywhere else. (I'm not that sure about cats, but let's give them an equal opportunity here.)
According to a U.S. Census XLS spreadsheet, 43 millions households (37.2 %) had pets in 2006. The pet breakdown came to 72.1 million dogs, 81.7 million cats, 11.2 million birds, and 7.3 million horses. The average (mean) veterinary expenditures per household amounted to $356. And there's a bristling business in pet food, toys and accessories as childless people and empty nesters pour their money and affection onto their animals.
Pets and people don't age at the same rate, and most pet owners have dealt with the death of a beloved pet. Check out some of the online memorials to deceased pets, but first, go get a box of tissues. BTW, those grieving pet owners shell out $25 per year for each of those memorials.
Cancer centers have discovered the benefits of canine therapy. And a dying person's own pets provide tremendous comfort to them. But sometimes the pet owner may be too sick to care for the animal. And there's the added pressure of not knowing what will happen to the pet when the owner dies.
There's a fascinating new program catching on, and HospiceMidland, the only nonprofit hospice in Midland, Texas, could become the first hospice in the state to get involved with it. It's called Pet Peace of Mind.
The other day a group of about a dozen HospiceMidland volunteers engaged in a conference call with the program creator, Delana Taylor McNac in which Ms. McNac gave an overview of the problems faced by pet owning hospice patients and how the plan can help them.
A dying pet owner has enough problems to face. And while they may still enjoy the love of an animal, sometimes the animal may get neglected. So that's where the program comes in to help where it's needed, whether it's feeding, trips to the vet, providing a little companionship, or finding a new home for the pet. But most importantly, it provides peace of mind to the pet owner.
Pet Peace of Mind, once implemented, will be a great benefit to pet owning Midlanders.
Previously, see What if you die before your pet? (Part 1).
Very informative and much needed. I think its just wonderful that Midland Hospice participates in the Pet Peace of Mind program. Thank you for posting and the embedded links were very helpful.
Posted by: Ann Mussinan | March 17, 2010 at 07:08 PM
Thanks, Ann. This program should be a real benefit to pet lovers once it gets up and running. And it will surely be a rewarding experience for the volunteers, too.
Posted by: Geo | March 18, 2010 at 07:43 AM
Thanks for the post about Pet Peace of Mind. Banfield Charitable Trust appreciates the kind words and all the help HospiceMidland gives to your local community.
Posted by: Banfield Charitable Trust | March 18, 2010 at 01:31 PM
Keep up the good work, Banfield Charitable Trust.
Posted by: Geo | March 18, 2010 at 03:40 PM
Excellent post.Generally I do not post on blogs, but I would like to say that this post really forced me to do so.
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Posted by: sto credits | June 12, 2010 at 03:04 AM
Dogs always honest to their owner,when their owners die,they will die later,because it feels that he is service for his ower,if she dies,they will feel that their parents are not here,and they will die.
Posted by: sto credits | July 08, 2010 at 03:20 AM
But sometimes the pet owner may be too sick to care for the animal. And there's the added pressure of not knowing what will happen to the pet when the owner dies.
Posted by: christian louboutin | August 17, 2010 at 01:48 AM
hi george,
i think if i'm that dying person (God forbid!), i will leave my dog to my relatives or if i'm the last of my kin then i will have to leave my precious pet to my closest friend. i'd definitely choose one who is capable of taking care of my precious pet.
Posted by: Mick for Dog Exercise Pen | September 23, 2010 at 02:45 AM
Its a good and informative topic discuss.. I have planned to leave my pet to my relatives, I think its a best idea to do.. Keep on sharing more interesting articles.. Well done!!!
Posted by: Pets care | April 17, 2011 at 11:18 PM