Canine Connection: A dog can help with those senior moments

Cheryl Noble is the author of Canine Connection, a feature of the Nevada City Advocate.

Indeed, there’s a lot documented on the emotional and physical health and overall well-being that dogs bring their owners. They lower blood pressure, lower stress, lift the spirits, and offer a healthier and happier lifestyle.

I recently read that “cuddling has been scientifically proven to contribute in an incomparable way to a healthy heart. Without kids and dogs, who can you really cuddle and how much?”

  It was an “ah-ha” moment. In our county of densely populated elderly empty nesters, I believe the scientifically proven Canine Ka-noodling Therapy is the real benefit of dogs for seniors.

Indeed, there’s a lot documented on the emotional and physical health and overall well-being that dogs bring their owners. They lower blood pressure, lower stress, lift the spirits, and offer a healthier and happier lifestyle. There’s less boredom. You don’t eat alone, and you don’t waste leftovers. The companionship that a dog offers is immeasurable.

On the other hand, canine ka-noodling is all about contact. Every being, especially humans and puppies, start cuddling from birth. Even in the animal kingdom, we were all born cuddle-worthy.  We need it, and dogs need it. OK, maybe we need it more.

At the heart of cuddling is the act of physical affection. There is the simple hug that works great when you’re on the go and don’t have much quality time. More engaging is lap cuddling, although this is not recommended for dogs over 100 pounds - unless it’s them you’re snuggling into. Taking a nap in a shoulder wrap under a fluffy quilt is particularly euphoric.  On any level, the power of touch is something we simply can’t live without.

There are many in our elderly demographics who live alone for a variety of reasons. Children are grown, grandkids aren’t around much, and often there isn’t a spouse. The home is empty and so is the heart. Because touching is so therapeutic, many of our senior and convalescent residences, including Quail Ridge, Springhill Manor, and Grass Valley Care Center, bring dogs into their facilities.

Dog cuddling is a subconscious joy that can enhance everyone’s life. For me, let’s just say that since I’m kid-less and spouse-less I fit the ideal profile of an empty nester who benefits immensely from Canine Ka-noodling Therapy. Immensely.

Cheryl Noble is the author of Canine Connection and proud mother of Mulligan, an 8-year-old Catahoula. She can be reached at cheryl.noble@ymail.com.