Did you know investing in a puppy during retirement can be one of the most rewarding decisions you could make? Not only do pets offer companionship, purpose, and numerous health benefits, but they also open the door to meaningful volunteer opportunities that can make a significant impact on the lives of local kids and teens! 

Three Ways Pets Can Improve Life in Retirement

Companionship and Emotional Support – As we age, maintaining social connections becomes increasingly important, and pets can help us to connect with other people. A puppy can be an excellent source of direct companionship, helping to alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation. The bond formed with a pet can provide emotional support and enhance overall well-being.  

Physical Health Benefits – The routine care involved in pet ownership can contribute to a structured and active lifestyle. Owning a dog also encourages physical activity, like regular walks and playtime, that can improve cardiovascular health, increase mobility, and help maintain a healthy weight.  

Mental Health Advantages – Interacting with pets has been shown to decrease the effects of stress, reduce anxiety, and even improve cognitive function. The presence of a loving pet can offer comfort and reduce symptoms of depression, making your retirement years more enjoyable and fulfilling. 

Volunteering with a Pet Therapy Nonprofit  

One of the most impactful ways to extend the benefits of pet ownership is by sharing your pet’s unconditional love with those in need through volunteer work. Pet therapy nonprofits like Gabriel’s Angels can provide you with guidance on how to get a therapy pet registered and even provide additional training to serve the needs of our community. 

Two Reasons to Get Involved

Make a Difference for Local Youth – Kids and teens in our community unfortunately face trauma and stress that can deeply impact their mental health. They often worry about being judged by others and struggle to express their feelings, but therapy pets can bring a certain kind of magic to the moment that breaks down walls and soothes their fears. Pet therapy visits brighten their days, reduce anxiety, and offer a sense of normalcy and happiness in otherwise challenging times. 

Build Community Connections – Volunteering with a pet therapy nonprofit also offers another benefit in that it encourages you to stay active and engaged in your community. It provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment, knowing that you and your wonderful pet are making a positive difference in the lives of others, while fostering connections with youth in need of positive adult influences and the fellow volunteers, teachers, and families who care for them.

“I know for me, retirement can lack the structure of our work lives, so it’s great having that regular schedule of the ABC program visits even if it’s just an hour a week.” shared Alan Farmer, who volunteers for Gabriel’s Angels with his dog, Sandy. “Additionally, as a former teacher, I can see how much bringing Sandy into the classroom helps the teachers as well. It gives them an entertaining break and after reading with Sandy the kids usually go back to class in a much better mood and with a better attitude about school if they happen to be having a rough day.”

Investing in a puppy during retirement not only enhances your own life but also offers the opportunity to give back to your community in a meaningful way. By volunteering with a pet therapy nonprofit like Gabriel’s Angels, you can bring joy and comfort to kids and teens in need, creating a rewarding experience for everyone involved! 

On top of already having a great temperament, the dogs you see in our pet therapy programs go through a lot of training and testing to earn their Therapy Dog Registration through nationally recognized certifiers. [Read related: What’s the Difference? Service Animals, Therapy Animals, and Emotional Support Animals.] Their handlers also train and test along with them, constantly watching and advocating for both the children and dogs during visits to make sure everyone is having a good time.

It’s important to remember that some of the things our Registered Therapy Dogs might not think twice about – like getting hugs – can be very uncomfortable or scary for other dogs! As an organization that provides pet therapy to children, we wanted to share a few quick tips to keep in mind when children are interacting with dogs:

Tip #1: Request permission

Instruct children to always request permission of an owner before petting a dog. All dogs (even Registered Therapy Dogs!) have preferred ways of being greeted and pet, and some dogs – no matter how cute! – are not safe to pet. 

Tip #2: Supervision is Key

Always supervise interactions between dogs and children, even if it’s a family pet that’s known to be friendly. Being present allows you to intervene quickly if needed and potentially stop an accident before it even happens. Even friendly family dogs can have days where they are overwhelmed by stimuli in their environment, and some dogs become more easily overwhelmed as they age. An overwhelmed dog can become a stressed & defensive dog. 

Tip #3: Proper Introductions

When introducing a new dog to a child, do it gradually and in a controlled environment. Allow the dog to approach at their own pace, and always supervise the interaction closely and be ready to intervene if either the dog or the child becomes uncomfortable.

Tip #4: Learn Dog Body Language

Common signs of stress or discomfort in dogs, like growling, bared teeth, or tightly tucked tail are usually well-known, but there are also more subtle indicators such as walking away to avoid interaction, “whale eyes” (when they widen and show the whites of their eyes), stiffened body, and stress yawning. Teaching kids to recognize these signs can help them know when to give a dog space.

Tip #5: Establish Boundaries

Teach children to respect a dog’s personal space and to understand that dogs, like people, need their own time and space. Encourage children to give dogs space when the dog retreats to their bed or designated areas, especially if the dog is showing signs of wanting to be left alone. This helps prevent situations where a dog might feel cornered or overwhelmed that could lead to potential defensive reactions.

Tip #6: Encourage Empathy and Gentle Interactions

Teach children to interact with dogs gently, avoiding rough play or sudden movements that might startle the dog. Encourage them to pet dogs calmly and not to climb on them or pull on their ears, tails, or fur. 

Whether a Therapy Dog at school or a family pet at home, not only do dogs provide unconditional love, but they also offer a unique way for children to learn important social and emotional skills like respect, empathy, and confidence. When we promote safe interactions between our kids and their furry friends, they benefit from the human-animal bond in positive ways that will remain with them for years to come!

As a pet therapy nonprofit, leading successful interactions between children and dogs is all in a day’s work for the Gabriel’s Angels pack. Browse through our website to learn more about how the human-animal bond can help the children in our community learn, grow, and heal.