More on Seniors and Pets

Pets dominate discussion at Salida Senior CenterJennifer Denevan - Mail Staff WriterDogs, cats and mules dominated the conversation at the Bring Out the Animal in You presentation at the Senior Center Wednesday afternoon.The presentation was aimed at how pets can improve health for owners and to give advice on how to keep pets healthy.Michele Wayland of the Ark-Valley Humane Society, presented information connecting health to owning pets."Pets are good listeners," Wayland said. People sometimes just need someone to listen to them and pets don't judge she added.Studies have shown pets can increase exercise opportunities, outdoor activities and socialization. While pets are increasing certain opportunities, they also decrease health risks, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and feelings of loneliness Wayland said.People who attended gave personal stories of their pets and how they changed their lives. Joan Michaud, Public Relations Manager for Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center, attended citing her cats are crazier than her dog."One of my cats rules the roost," Michaud said with a laugh. The cat stares down her dog and the dog moves from the dog bed for the cat.Courtney Shucker, a member of the Salida Senior Center, also discussed his golden retriever."The second I'm out of sight, he goes nuts," Shucker said. His dog, though well behaved, appears to miss him profusely when he goes in doors or can't be seen. A definite sign pets love unconditionally, another point Wayland made about health and pets.The presentation also included a performance from Archie, a dog owned by Twila Bonser, Marketing and Admissions Coordinator at Columbine Manor. Archie is a boxer, Boston Terrier mix Bonser said. Archie demonstrated obedience, jumped through a hoop and over Bonser's knee. He also demonstrated drop, tuck and roll in case of fire and went down a slide.Talking about small animals, such as hamsters and guinea pigs were also discussed. Athena Khalsa, animal trainer, discussed training dogs but gave advice on how to help small animals as well. "You need to establish dominance," Khalsa said when it came to potty training dogs. "If you're not a leader, they'll lead you," she added.A variety of questions were asked during Khalsa's segment of the conversation, including the difference in personality of horses and mules. Shucker wanted to know if owning a mule would be better than a horse due to difference in attitude.Members of the audience and Khalsa discussed how horses differ from mules. It was explained to let the mule think he's making the decision not Shucker.The presentation is one of a three part series that will include the benefits of humor and growing into sexuality. Laughter is the Best Medicine...We're not Joking is the next presentation held at noon -1:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Salida Senior Center.