I wrote this article for a local newspaper but thought I’d share it here, as so many people don’t know ElderDog Canada exists, and it’s such an important service for senior dog owners in our communities. 

The best part is, ElderDog is national, so you can find visit their website at elderdog.ca and find a PAWD near  you, if you’re interested in getting involved! 

An introduction to ElderDog Canada:

When attending events in the community as people walk by my booth I ask, “Are you aware of ElderDog and what we do?” And sadly, the answer is often “No.” I feel like ElderDog Canada is one of Canada’s best kept secrets, so let me share a little about who we are and what we do. 

Who is ElderDog? 

ElderDog is a national not-for-profit organization, who is 100% volunteer based. We are dedicated to aging people, aging dogs, and the important connection they enjoy. 

ElderDog started in 2009, and our first PAWD started in 2009, in Dartmouth East, NS. Since than we have grown to 40 PAWDs across Canada! 

Our services are all free to the community, which is why you will often see ElderDog Canada out fundraising at local events.  

ElderDog’s services and programs: 

Dog care support for seniors: 

• Assisting seniors with walking their dogs, so they can stay in the home with their humans.  

• Delivering or picking dog food from grocery or pet store. 

• Light tasks associated with animal hygiene. 

• Nail clipping (if the dog is good with it) and/or brushing the dog. 

• Transportation to and from the vet and/or groomer. 

• Temporary care if the senior is hospitalized, for a brief period of time. 

Rehoming of older dogs: 

For older dogs who have lost their human companion due to a change of residence, illness, or death. ElderDog will provide care to the dog by: 

• Moving the dog into an approved ElderDog foster home. 

• Adopt the dog to a loving forever home. 

Long-term & perpetuity care: 

This program provides peace of mind to our senior community. When a senior registers in this program, if they become unable to care for their dog, ElderDog is committed to place their loving companion in a forever home to live out their life with respect and dignity. 

Get involved: 

If you wish to get involved with ElderDog there are a few ways to do so. 

Volunteer – our volunteers are crucial to our success and ability to assist the seniors in our community. All our volunteers are subject to a vulnerable sector police check, to ensure the safety of our seniors and their dogs. We have leadership opportunities, along with needing fosters and dog care support. 

Spread the word – We don’t want to be a secret; we don’t want seniors feeling they must rehome their beloved pet due to a temporary illness or if they need assistance exercising him/her. 

Donate – We rely on donations to support our work and provide the care needed to the dogs in our community.  

Stay in touch: 

To learn more about ElderDog please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ElderDogKamloops/ 

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/elderdog_canada_kamloops/ 

Check out our website for more information: www.elderdog.ca