PETS AND A PURPOSE
Elderdog volunteer Annaka Cook walks Bella Thursday. Bella's owner is a senior who has difficulty walking her. Elderdog provides seniors with assistance in caring for their pets, which allows them to keep their animals longer.
Old dogs may not want to learn new tricks but they can get walks from new faces when their owners are not able to do so themselves.
Elderdog, a national non-profit organization, pairs senior canines with volunteers as a way to help people who may have difficulties doing activities such as going for walks or making veterinarian appointments.
Edmonton's Annaka Cook started with the charity three months ago after the previous organization she was volunteering with had to suspend her position because of the pandemic.
The 62-year-old said she walks a wide range of breeds, from shepherds to poodles, and often sees four to five dogs a week.
“It has been absolutely wonderful,” she said. “It gets me (outside), getting some fresh air, you get your vitamin D. What Elderdog does is it lets seniors keep their dogs and that's so important for a lot of elderly people. Sometimes the only thing they have is their pet. They want of course their pet to be taken care of properly and dog walking is a big part of it.”
Cook said the other benefit of being a volunteer has been creating relationships not only with the dogs but the people who ask for help. She said she spends a lot of time with owners but continues to follow public health guidelines such as keeping physical distance.
Cook said owners will sometimes come down to meet her if they live in an apartment and hand her the dog while wearing masks, or they will meet in someone's backyard.
“Giving back to the community is just such an important thing to do,” she said. “A lot of people are stuck at home alone and I think they need human contact as well. These people are just lovely. That was a bonus, to get to meet these people and for them being so lovely.”
Cook said she's not a fan of Edmonton's weather but hasn't noticed the cold because she's having too much fun with the dogs.
In addition to walks, Elderdog also provides other services such as foster care and grooming. Those wishing to learn more can visit their website, elderdog.ca.