How To Find the Perfect Canine Companion

I recently wrote about pets, dogs specifically,and how they can help older adults maintain good physical and mental health. And finding the right dog is critical to the relationship being a positive experience. Many people get swept away with a dogs beauty, or maybe they have seen the latest movie with a very cute pup in it, or any number of ways to be influenced. But, the reality is that the beautiful Border Collie that is herding the sheep in the field, will not be a happy camper living in an apartment, with a person who cant give it a job or lots of vigorous exercise. And the majestic Husky does not fit into the Florida condo life style. so, you see what I mean. Do your home work before you make this decision. See what temperment comes with different breeds, what about short hair v. long hair. As I get older, smaller dogs are better for me, when it is necessary to pick them up. I have found the very best place to go to adopt pets are the rescue organizations. They get to know the dogs, help fit them with the right person, and besides that, you would be saving a life, and discouraging practices like puppy mills. All of my pets have been rescue animals, and I have been blessed with many wonderful years of enjoyment with them. One dog in particular came from www.dogsforthedeaf.org Emily was a combo of Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel. Dogs for the Deaf is a non-profit who trains assistance dogs for people with hearing loss. Well, Emily was a pooch who really didn't want to work that hard, but loved people, so she became a "career change" dog and I adopted her. I put her through the Therapy Dog training and when she was certified she went to my office in the hospital where I worked, and greeted and calmed people in crisis. When I retired she did too, and lived until last year when sadly she passed away. There are other wonderful places in my Southern Oregon area to find such wonderful dogs. www.fotas.org is the adoption center of the local animal control division, run mostly by faithful volunteers that can help you choose a dog. www.southernoregonhumane.org is our branch of The Humane Society, a dedicated group of people to assist you in making a choice. And www.sanctuaryone.org is a Sanctuary for abused and neglected animals of all kinds, including dogs. I mention this organization because of the wonderful volunteer opportunities. And if you are not ready, or are unable to take on a dog, simply volunteering with them is a way to find great joy.

I was really amazed at how much more I got from my pets when I retired. Getting to spend more time with them has certainly helped my mental and physical health. I highly recommend it!

Knitting in Ashland, Oregon

A hobby which can become a passion for those who have extra time in retirement, is knitting. In Ashland, we are so fortunate to have The Web-sters yarn shop. Drool over their wares as you visualize adding to your stash at http://www.yarnatwebsters.com/
In addition to being purveyors of the yummiest yarns around, they offer many classes in fascinating ways to use yarn that will challenge your skills and keep your mind active learning to create projects you never dreamed were possible. These classes come in all ability levels from basic kitting for those who have never picked up needles before, to exotic techniques involving mosaics, fair isle, European style knitting, and something my friend Candace is doing that involves wrapping the yarn around her back to help reduce the stress on her thumbs! I wish I had a camera the other night when I saw her with a cat on her lap, another on the back of the couch breathing down her neck, the yarn wrapped around behind her, and something she had strapped to her thigh to hold her pattern so she could follow it and keep her hands free for all of the above activities!
Tonight there is a free session at Web-sters where people (seems to be mostly women, so might be a great hobby for a single man to take up!) gather to work on their favorite projects and enjoy an evening of companionship. Karen and I are making afghans for Afghans. Check out this great site, and help out if you can. http://www.afghansforafghans.org/
Kay is making hats for the local shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic abuse. There are also several other groups that distribute warm hats, sweaters, scarves and mittens to local people in need, such as Uncle Food's Diner and the Northwest Seasonal Workers. You can check out other volunteer opportunities in Ashland on our web site http://www.oregonretirement.info/
But that sounds like another topic for a blog, so I'll close for now.
Hope this leaves you in stitches!
Marty