lifestyle

Old dogs have more fun

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By Veronica An

I’m misremembering a quote that goes something like this – if you took a city upside down and shook it, an entire population of animals would fall out. The idea that people are the only living creatures inhabiting any city is false. Cats, dogs, raccoons, lizards and all manner of insects share the city with us.

Our pets are closest to us and they act as mirrors to our societal problems - whether we like it or not. Obesity rates are rising among animals just as fast as they are among owners - more than half of pets in the United States are obese - and you can even extend your gluten-free lifestyle to your dog.

But, there’s one problem that can’t be fixed with exercise and a lack of wheat protein – aging. No matter how much we try, everyone ages and eventually goes to the big doghouse in the sky. America is dealing with the rising age of the Baby Boomers and the stress it places on the economy and government services like Social Security.

In Japan, the problem of an aging population is acute. The Japanese are known for their longevity - not only do they have the highest number of centenarians but about 25% of their population is 65 years of age or older and their inverted population pyramid – there are more adults than children. For a culture that prizes the wisdom that comes with age, this might not seem like such a bad thing but issues of population security and elder care make this a notable topic.

But people aren’t the only ones growing older. Just as we age, so do our pets. People and pets age in parallel and many older adults have to give up their animals when they are unable to care for them. Pair this reality with the perception that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks and you’re left with a surplus of elderly dogs. The lucky ones end up in shelters like Animal Refuge Kansai, also known as ARK.

Since 1990, ARK has cared for and rehomed animals in Tokyo and Osaka. In addition to acting as a shelter for surrendered pets they also work to prevent animal cruelty and rescue animals from inhumane situations. ARK takes in around 200-240 dogs and perhaps 100 plus cats per year and rehomes 180-190 dogs and perhaps 90 cats a year, and their goal is to create a standard for animal welfare. They are currently working to accommodate a growing number or older pets and have set up dedicated kennels to house dogs seven years of age of older. Unfortunately many of these pets do not get adopted.

What many people don’t realize is that senior dogs can be an ideal fit for many people – they tend to be more mellow, are usually trained and have been socialized their entire lives. Despite the cultural reverence for age, most prospective owners request puppies without giving older dogs a chance. Senior dogs have established personalities and are full of life – they might be a better choice for pet parents than new puppies.

ARK accepts as many senior dogs as they can care for but tend to have trouble rehoming them because people are fixated on the idea of a new puppy. They currently have dogs as old as 16 and have noticed an influx of older animals. About half of Japan’s pet population is elderly - 7 years of age or older - and about a third of pets are over 10 years of age.

Just as the population ages, the senior pet population expands and requires care. Owners should consider end-of-life options for their pets and who will care for them if they are unable. Unfortunately, when people don’t plan care for their pets, the animals can end up neglected or abandoned. Many of these cases are dealt with by animal control or the police and these pets are usually euthanized.

In case of emergency planning for pets should go beyond end of life options to include natural disaster plans. ARK took in animals left behind during the 2011 Tohu Earthquake and is still waiting for owners to claim or relinquish responsibility so their dogs can be adopted. This kind of incidental abandonment is more common than most would like to admit. According to Japan Today, over 200 of pets that the Tokyo Animal Welfare Center (animal control) took 2012 came from seniors who were deceased or unable to care for their pets.

ARK offers bequests to secure the future of animals in a program akin to life insurance for people. Owners pay into the fund to guarantee their dog a spot at the shelter.

ARK is one solution for the aging dog population but they are not the only choice. Rogen Honpo – a for-profit old age home for dogs has stepped in to fill the void – the same way private elder care facilities are becoming more popular. Owners can pay for staff to care for their dog while still visiting their pets. Pet Fitness gyms like El Pero and animal cemeteries are gaining popularity just as more senior-focused products emerge for people, reports Japan Times.

The uncertainty with how to handle the aging population is an issue that must be addressed – whether pets or people – this problem is not going away. Advanced age is not something to be ashamed of, it should be celebrated and enjoyed, the only shame comes from refusing to embrace it.

© Japan Today

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.


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Thanks for this story...one of the best I have read on JapanToday.

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