Our Aging Pets - What We Can Learn From Them
It is difficult to imagine that when we first adopt our lively and rambunctious puppy or kitten that he or she will one day grow old. Our animal companions are far shorter lived than we, and the time we spend with them seems to fly by. One day, they are full of vim and vigor, fun and mischief, joie de vivre and exuberance - within a relatively brief period of time, they grow into adolescence, then evolve into perhaps a more mellow and sedate adulthood, and eventually become mature and ultimately old. During each of these phases of life, our animal companions experience so many of the same physical and emotional challenges and changes we face.
As they become old, they may experience physical as well as mental and emotional limitations and deterioration. They may experience many of the illnesses, disabilities, infirmities and diseases that we may confront. So many of our beloved pets endure the pain of arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart conditions, etc. as well as receiving medical treatments and medications that are comparable to those used to help ease or cure these conditions and improve the quality of our lives.
There are many lessons we can learn from our furry, finned and feathered friends, as they grow old. We can see them experience the effects of the passage of time that are so similar to those we experience as humans. We come to realize that these signs of aging both mirror and mimic our own. If we are wise, we can derive great rewards by caring for our aging pets - for example, we can learn from their stoicism, endurance and their ability to “Keep On Keeping On.” We can learn to “live in the moment” (as they do) with joy and spontaneity and not to dwell on the past or to fear the future. So many of our older animal companions demonstrate courage, patience and perseverance in spite of illness or limited mobility, hearing or sight.
By respecting and caring for our aging animal companions, we can learn to age gracefully and with dignity. From them, we can learn respect for and increased appreciation of our elders (both human and animal). We can emulate their steadfastness and patience. We can also view the opportunity to care for our beloved aging pets as a means for us to grow in compassion, wisdom and insight about the purposefulness and significance of all living beings.
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DIANE POMERANCE received her Ph.D. in Communications in 1979 from the University of Michigan, and has written the highly acclaimed children’s nonfiction book on pet loss, “When Your Pet Dies” which teaches children how to cope with and recover from the loss of a beloved companion animal as well as those inevitable losses in life. She is also the author of “Animal Companions: Your Friends, Teachers & Guides”, “Animal Companions: In Our Hearts, Our Lives & Our World.”, Animal Elders: Caring About Our Aging Animal Companions”, “Finding Peace After the Loss of a Loved Animal Companion”, and her most recent book “Pet Parenthood: Adopting the Right Animal Companion for You.” Dr. Pomerance counsels those mourning the loss of a beloved companion animal. As a writer, teacher, counselor and animal lover, she recognizes that the loss of a pet can be devastating to adults as well as children. For over 25 years, she has also worked in a wide variety of capacities in the entertainment industry both in New York and Los Angeles, including production work with such programs as NBC’s Sports shows “NFL”. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diane_Pomerance_Ph.D. |
Your Older Cat A Complete Guide to Nutrition Natural Health Remedies and Veterinary Care
Your Older Cat A Complete Guide to Nutrition Natural Health Remedies and Veterinary Care
” Safe preventive care for a long and healthy life” You probably feel that you know everything your cat needs — plenty of food, frequent naps, and lots of love! Cats heal quickly and take excellent care of themselves, but as they age, they do need owners to pay special attention to their health and behavior. Creating a balanced diet, encouraging regular exercise, and providing good health care will ensure that your cat enjoys every one of his nine lives. “Your Older Cat” shows how to extend your cat’s active years and explains the special health issues for an aging cat. Divided into five sections, this practical guide discusses: HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE ONSET OF OLD AGE READING YOUR CAT FOR SIGNS OF ILLNESS BECOMING A PARTNER IN YOUR CAT’S HEALTH CARE — FROM VETERINARY CARE TO PET HEALTH INSURANCE PREVENTION 101: TIPS ON DIET, GROOMING, NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS, AND EXERCISE AFFORDABLE AND EFFECTIVE NATURAL TREATMENTS FOR AGING CATS, INCLUDING ACUPUNCTURE, MASSAGE, HERBS, AND HOMEOPATHY Plus, readers will find handsome color photos, informative sidebars for quick reference, and an extensive resource section.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Good book. You can tell the author genuinely cares about cats.
I hesitate to give any item 5 stars–indeed a search will show most of my reviews give mixed or low marks to products. I would have preferred to give it a 4.5, but if between a 4 or 5, I will give it the extra notch.
Overall, the book is not just useful health information on elderly kitties, it is also an homage to them. It attempts to take the reader into an understanding of the difficulties elderly cats face, and how not just to recognize and treat them, but also how to give them a better quality of life and more happiness.
If you want a medical veterinary guide, this book is not in-depth enough. If you want a good guide on elder kitty care and what to do in emergencies to give your cat enough time to get to the vet, this is a good book.
5 Stars A terrific & moving book.
Not only is this book full of vital information & guidlines, it emphatically displays this author’s true love & respect for cats. It’s full of beautiful & touching pictures of cats. It is also very orgzanized in its format. I liked this author so much that I am ordering another one of her books. This is the best book I have read on cats, yet.
5 Stars Gets right to the point
Easterly isn’t just a sensitive and knowledgeable writer. She’s certainly that, but instead of offering up merely entertaining anecdotes and wistful musings, she gets into the helpful details straightaway. The book is slim and beautifully designed, and the photos and illustrations are easy on the eyes, all of which lends an effective visual frame to Easterly’s excellent data and advice.
This isn’t a cute-kitty book. Those who are committed companions of older felines will find a wealth of compassionately practical and useful information in this terrific book. Highly recommended.
5 Stars Great Book for Caring Cat Owners
This is a great book for caring cat owners. It starts out explaining the aging process in cats, which is NOT as simple as the “seven cat years for one human year” formula we used to hear. There’s information about preventative care, first aid, age-related problems, and - of course - the final decision you may have to make for your cat. There’s even information about grief and mourning, both yours and that of other cats you may have.
“Your Older Cat” is full of photos, charts, graphs, sidebars, and other materials that make this an easily accessible book. Cats are not complainers, and if you have trouble figuring out when your cat is in pain, Easterly’s book will help.
This is not some thick, academic tome. It’s a well-written, easily-read book you can turn to when you’re worried. Or you can pick it up and enjoy the beautiful photos of cats. There’s also a great resource section, with books, magazines, videos, and organizations listed.
5 Stars Great cat book - even if your cats aren’t old
“Your Older Cat” by Susan Easterly is for every cat owner. Even if your cats aren’t old, you should read this book. It provides state-of-the-art cat advice… techniques that most people haven’t heard about yet that can help prevent problems in later years. And it gives comprehensive, compassionate advice for dealing with older cats. Very well written and organized, beautiful pictures and great design, “Your Older Cat” is fun and easy to read. I recommend it highly for yourself and others.
FURminator Large Yellow deShedding Tool with 4 Inch Edge
FURminator Large Yellow deShedding Tool with 4 Inch Edge
People love their pets but they hate the shedding. This tool pulls out incredible amounts of loose hair and undercoat without cutting or damaging the pet’s top coat. Small is blue, Medium and Large are yellow.
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Main Content
Our Aging Pets - What We Can Learn From ThemIt is difficult to imagine that when we first adopt our lively and rambunctious puppy or kitten that he or she will one day grow...
