pet connection

Sharon L. Peters reports in USA Today that live-in pets are increasingly common at nursing homes and senior-living residences. That’s good news for all of us who can’t imagine life without companion animals, even in–we hope–the distant future when we can no longer live in our own homes.

“Dogs, cats and rabbits are roaming the halls, lounging about on common-area sofas and warming the beds at a growing number of residences and extended-care facilities. Most of the creatures are ‘resident pets’ or ‘community pets’ rescued from shelters to live in the facility full time and spread their love to all who reside there. Some are animals that residents brought with them.”

That baby kangaroo? She’s on loan from a breeder, who will reclaim her when she reaches adolescence and becomes too, er, bouncy for life in an institutional setting. Until then, she’s a great conversation starter, says Loren Shook, CEO of Silverado, which operates 17 senior facilities in three states. Read the rest here.

In another story, Peters reports that animal rescuers are on the tiptoe of expectation, awaiting permission to go in and check on animals that were left behind when people evacuated. The good news is that the situation isn’t anything like it was three years ago. Peters writes:

“Pet-friendly evacuation centers and public transportation were provided for those without the means to drive north, and residents who used their own vehicles to seek higher ground seemed less likely to leave animals behind.”

Gratuitous Cavalier blogging: We reached Seattle yesterday afternoon after a fun morning in Portland, which included breakfast at Voodoo Donuts, a walk in a beautiful rose garden–where we saw a Greyhound and a Golden puppy–and another walk through the Pearl District. Our first order of business here was to find a nearby potty spot, something that’s rare as hen’s teeth in downtown Seattle. We’re in luck, though; there’s a little park only a block away, so I think we’ll be fine. Harper has already met and been petted by all kinds of people, so she’s lovin’ it. And a pet store that carries the food they eat is only a mile walk away. I’m sorry I don’t have photos, but Jerry forgot the cable for his camera, so I’ll have to post them later.