Some might say that having a 90-year age gap might add strain to the average relationship. However, Joan Cooner and her four-legged companion, don’t seem to mind the difference in age. At 92 years old, Ms. Cooner has made best friends with a two-year-old Dachshund puppy named Bella. The pair can be found mixing and mingling around the Huntsville community with Bella often stealing the show.
Keeping a canine companion has a multitude of benefits for seniors like Ms. Cooner. For example, pets have been proven to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and even triglycerides of the dog owner. Additionally, older adults who have an animal friend have lower stress and are less likely to experience loneliness than their peers. Any dog owner will tell you; these animals are so much more than a pet; they are like a member of the family. Therefore, their presence can bring a great deal of happiness and even purpose to the life of a senior.
When it comes to Bella, she brings this type of joy to all who live at Creekside. “Having Bella here adds so much character and fun times to the average day! Everyone loves her,” shared James Logan, Executive Director. Bella joins one other pup at the community, Ginger, who lives at Creekside with her owner, Camille Wharton. “Together, the pair seem to run the place,” Logan added.
When it comes to canine companions, it seems age difference makes no difference.
