Walk a dog, change a life

Volunteer, Elizabeth Newman and her dog, Brody.

Many of us have unconditional bonds with pet dogs. Our animal companions are as essential to our well-being as our human relationships; they’re there for us emotionally, bring us immense joy – and encourage us to get outside for daily walks. But what happens when old age means we can no longer provide the level of care our dogs need?

The mere presence of our canine friends can help us maintain or regain our health, but for many seniors, the difficult decision of rehoming their beloved companion becomes inevitable when they can’t provide the same level of care as they once could. After seeing this heartbreaking situation play out time and time again, and following her motto “help keep love in the home,” Ardra Cole decided to act.  

Ardra’s academic research had a special focus on caregiving and Alzheimer’s disease, revealing the significant role dogs play in the health and well-being of both people with dementia and their caregivers. She founded ElderDog Canada, which started as a small non-profit organization in Nova Scotia and has now become a national movement of people who help find solutions to keep elders’ dogs at home by providing direct support to their aging community members.

With the help of dedicated volunteers, ElderDog provides a range of assistance and support, including exercising dogs, delivering dog food from a grocery or pet store, providing light animal hygiene, transportation to and from vet or groomer appointments and temporary foster care during hospitalization. Volunteers even help rehome dogs for owners who are in long-term care or have died.

“We adopted Brody last year,” says Elizabeth Newman, an ElderDog volunteer. “He came into the care of ElderDog when his owner could no longer care for him.

“I had heard that senior dogs who are adopted get a second chance. I did not understand that completely until I saw how Brody blossomed in our home. Every morning he runs around like a puppy, as though saying ‘Another day in paradise.’ Adopting a senior dog is a pure gift of love.”

If you want to walk more but want a walking companion, ElderDog can pair you with a dog in need. Living circumstances and work-life balance can pose difficulties for people who want a dog of their own. For people who aren’t in a place in their life where they can have their own dog, volunteering with ElderDog can fill that gap.

Walking a dog is an enriching activity that offers numerous health benefits and is essential for overall well-being. Regular walks improve our heart health, strengthen our bodies, enhance our mental health by reducing stress and anxiety, and keep us socially connected. Elizabeth says, “Having a dog or, in my case, three senior dogs, gives me definite purpose and a set daily routine. Getting out for walks is so good for all of us. We get exercise, socialize with other people and dogs, and we all feel so much better after being outdoors in the fresh air.”

Volunteering with ElderDog not only helps seniors and their dogs; it also offers personal fulfilment. By supporting ElderDog, whether you assist with dog care, help with deliveries or provide temporary foster care, your contribution is invaluable.

“ElderDog is an incredible grassroots, hands-on organization and all volunteers share the same goals. When you volunteer with ElderDog, you make a huge positive impact on the lives of seniors and their dogs.” says Elizabeth. “Knowing that an act of kindness, no matter how trivial it may seem, can mean the world of difference to someone else!”

To learn more about volunteering opportunities with ElderDog Canada, visit the website and fill out a volunteer application, or check out the annual ElderDog fundraising walk at DeWolf Park in Bedford, N.S., on Sept. 15 (rain date, Sept. 22). Check out the bake tables, vendor tables, raffles and prizes, pledge to support the organization (email Dartmoutheastcc@elderdog.ca for a pledge sheet) , and enjoy plenty of socializing with dogs and their human friends.

Your support can help keep the love and companionship of a dog in the homes of those who need it most.