With the warmer weather comes change of place for lots of folks, university students on the move, empty nesters downsizing, seniors and the very old moving from family homes that have been part of the familiar fabric of their lives for decades.
For that group, what to keep and take to a much smaller place, what to give away, and what to sell are ongoing concerns. Packing up lives, however lived, whether financially fragile or able to meet all daily needs without concern is a challenge at the best of times. Ultimately, people are people regardless of economic circumstance and pets figure into the equation of their lives.
Yet there are forces beyond their control at work, unwittingly taking a hammer to that sacred dynamic; a sad commentary on our society but reality being what it is, those who provide accommodations through the rental process have properties to protect and have a ‘no pet’ clause. However, not all cats and dogs cause damage. Let’s be clear about that. The companion animal that has grown up in a home with compassionate care is part of the family. How many among us get birthday or Christmas presents for our pets; take the family dog out for ice cream in the summer?
In fact, in the absence of two-legged family members, whether near or far, the most significant piece of their lives is the family pet. In some cases, there may be more than one. A couple of dogs or a couple of cats, or one of each.
At law, pets are considered property, not having the same rights ascribed to their human caregivers/companions and can be disposed of at will, when they become inconvenient or have outlived their ‘usefulness’; rehomed, surrendered to animal shelters or, in the case of dogs, breed specific rescue organizations.
Those who truly love and value their pets for the companionship and unconditional love they provide will never view them as property to be disposed of at will. Thus, the tragedy for those living on the fringes, both financially and physically, is having to make the decision to ‘get rid’ of their resident ‘emotional support system’.
Rents across the country have skyrocketed, pushing out those of limited means though many may have access to government subsidy to support their housing. Landlords must come to understand that subsidized housing is not a reflection of character of potential tenant. Subsidized housing, particularly for seniors, is a mechanism that allows them to live independently for as long as they can. Staying out of the nursing home care stream is cost saving across the board. Institutional care is expensive and very often impersonal though there are many nursing homes and seniors housing across the province staffed by remarkable, caring people who are hands on and present for the physical and emotional needs of those who are in need of such intervention.
Sadly, though, many seniors will often remain in unsafe situations if it means they can keep their pets. Exploitation by family members is a sad reality of the human condition. If living with an abusive adult child means a senior can keep their companion animal, they’ll do it; sometimes to their detriment and to the detriment of their pet. Abuse takes many forms and animals often becomes a pawn in a push pull, as the one with ‘the power’ diminishes the will and resolve of the fragile senior. If you see abuse, report it.
Research shows seniors are healthier and have a greater sense of well-being if they have pets, yet balancing the desires of pet-owners with those of non-pet owners isn't an easy one. Can common ground be found? I’m of the view that it can be.
New apartment and condo developments could assign a certain number of units to tenants with pets; perhaps on one side of the complex, a block of units for ‘pet people, with escape-proofing built into the design; balconies with fencing. Ingenuity gets the job done.
Long term tenancy is a plus for landlords when they rent to ‘pet people’; no yearly repairs between tenants. Saving dollars and cents makes sense all around. Purrfection.
Carla MacInnis Rockwell is a freelance writer and disability rights advocate living outside Fredericton, NB with Miss Lexie, a rambunctious Maltese and Mr. Malcolm, a boisterous Havanese. She can be reached via email at carmacrockwell@xplornet.ca
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