When mom could no longer care for her beagle, Louie, I found him a new family. Mom asked about him every day for a few weeks until his memory melted into Alzheimer’s oblivion.
Six months later, my beloved golden retriever of fourteen years passed away. Even after a year, I still talk to Casey every day.
Although mom will never again be a full-time pet parent, she’s found great joy as a surrogate pet mom. Friends bring their dogs by for a walk along the beach. We “borrowed” a golden retriever from a neighbor for an afternoon. We may even foster a dog this summer.
Pet therapy isn’t just for seniors. My caregiving menu now includes petsitting and animal shelter volunteering.
We tell pets our darkest secrets. They see us as we really are. And they still love us unconditionally.
