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CD-ROM Today (UK) (Spanish) 15
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CDRT.iso
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0245
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02455.txt
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1994-01-17
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$Unique_ID{BRK02455}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Are Pets Good for the Elderly?}
$Subject{lonely depressed new pet companionship depression mental emotional
condition conditions lifestyle lifestyles home house loneliness pets companion
age aged aging old elderly}
$Volume{E-23,T-23}
$Log{}
Copyright (c) 1992,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
Are Pets Good for the Elderly?
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QUESTION: When our Dad died three years ago, our Mother decided to stay in
her home of many years rather than come live with any of us. Now we know she
is lonely, depressed, with few friends to visit with, yet she is determined to
stay put. In the old days we had a family dog, that Mom adored. Do you think
she is now too old (at age 72) to start again with a new pet, that might offer
some companionship to her?
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ANSWER: All things being equal, that your Mother's physical condition is
about average for a woman her age, with ample vision and hearing, I think a
new pet to offer her companionship and love is a super idea. It may well be
the motivation needed to put your Mother back on the track and help fight off
her understandable depression. The secret is in the proper selection of the
pet. A medium sized dog that requires regular outings that may motivate your
Mother to take walks that increase her health as well is the best choice. Too
big a dog might be a bit too strong. Try to adopt a dog that is already house
trained, who is alert but not too frisky. Your solution may well put an
excellent idea into the minds of many.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.