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Animals benefit from advance planning
By NIELA M. ELIASON © St. Petersburg Times, published March 27, 2001 About 10 years ago a pet owner went to the Pinellas Animal Foundation (PAF) -- a veterinarian-sponsored non-profit organization dedicated to improved animal care. He had two cats and a dog, and he wanted to make arrangements for his animals in case he died before they did. PAF agreed to find a family for the animals when the time came and to arrange for veterinary care. The man made a nice donation to cover expenses; arranging for his pets gave him peace of mind. So far, two of the animals have died, and the pet owner and one cat are doing well. Our animals are important to us. They give us warmth and softness and comfort. They offer love and companionship and make us laugh. Guy Hancock, director of the veterinary technology program at St. Petersburg Junior College and a PAF board member, says that research shows pets have a significant effect on us, giving both psychological and physiological benefits. A study shows that elderly people who have pets have far fewer doctor visits and medical expenses than those who do not. A study of 100 heart attack victims after their first heart attack showed a higher survival rate in the group that had pets. At first, it was thought that dog owners benefited most because they took their dogs for walks, themselves getting exercise in the process. But cat owners and bird owners benefited in the same way. Hancock talked of another study that shows if you pet a dog or cat for 20 minutes, it will lower your blood pressure for several hours. Your pet's BP stays down, too! And when future arrangements are not made for the pets? Beth Lockwood, executive director of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), told me about seven dogs that had been brought to the shelter in Largo. Their owner had loved them dearly and kept careful records of their health and vet care. She was ill with cancer for a long time but made no arrangement for her pets on her death. She had no family. A person with power of attorney brought the animals to the SPCA. There were two whippets, two Irish setters, two fox terriers and a chihuahua. The day I visited, they had wan faces and were shivering with apprehension, probably wondering what had happened and why they were in a strange place. Luckily, all of these dogs have found homes. The Largo SPCA alone cared for 16,000 animals last year. It is important to prepare by naming a reliable person who will be willing to care for your pet and to leave funds for that animal's care. An attorney can help with financial arrangements. Hancock told of an 80-year-old woman who lives in Clearwater. She had a dachshund who was her pride and joy and her only companion. She was scheduled for surgery and was afraid she might not survive. She contacted the PAF, and arrangements were made to board her dog at a veterinary facility. The woman recovered from her surgery and went to a nursing home, and the dog was taken frequently to visit her there. When she improved, both she and the dog returned to their home. "I think," Hancock said, "that without the knowledge that her dog was waiting for her, she would have had no reason to want to live." Pinellas Animal Foundation also offers service and education projects for people, as do the SPCA and other animal organizations. For instance, the PAF offers a pacemaker bank for dogs. When a human using a pacemaker has died, the device can be salvaged and reused for dogs. PAF will give them free to any veterinarian's client in need of one. Currently, their supply is low. People are encouraged to donate a pacemaker from a loved one. The foundation gives lessons on proper care and respect for animals and has presented that lesson to more than 200,000 children. Pet loss support groups are offered. To help people with animal care during emergencies, the PAF is planning a foster pet program of host homes. It is looking for 30 to 50 volunteers who will take an animal for short- or long-term care. Volunteers can make specific requests for types of animal and for long- or short-term care. For instance, one might volunteer specifically to care for a cat, or for a dog under 50 pounds for 60 days -- or longer -- or a ferret, or a bird. The PAF will try to match people who have short-term or long-term needs with people who are willing to help. The program is still in the planning stages and needs a backlog of volunteers. For information on being a volunteer, call (727) 347-7387 or visit the Web site: http://www.petfostering.org/ Joan Marzi, executive director of PAF, talked of other problems. Abuse victims sometimes are reluctant to leave home, fearing that their pets will be abused. PAF volunteers can care for the animals until their owners re-establish residences. The SPCA boards pets for CASA, a shelter for abused women in St. Petersburg, and cares for the animals until their families are re-established. Lockwood reminds us that it is important when traveling and leaving a pet with a friend or neighbor to be sure that person has the name and phone number of the veterinarian. Pets are not allowed in shelters during hurricanes, so make plans for your furry or finny or feathery friends in case of that emergency. The PAF works closely with the SPCA and other organizations. The SPCA offers many educational programs. Recently, it has scheduled luncheon meetings to give information on advance planning for animals. A seminar at noon April 12 at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club will offer information on how to plan for your pets with wills and trusts. The luncheon is free. Call (727) 581-3249 for reservations. To volunteer in your area:
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