Moving into an aged care home can often mean leaving a beloved family pet behind. Now retired greyhounds Monty and Heston have moved into two of Uniting AgeWell’s communities in southern Tasmania.
In Tasmania, it costs $110 to put a dog into the TasRacings’ Greyhounds Adoption Program (GAP), but just $50 to put it down at a vet. As a consequence, many dogs are simply euthanised.
Strathglen care manager Tracy Harvison persuaded management to adopt the greyhounds, in what she says is a win-win for everyone.
A win-win situation
“Monty is actually seen as a resident and he’s got his own care plan just like the people who live here,” she told the ABC.
“Having a pet like Monty gives residents something to really feel and touch. Physically, having love and affection and companionship improves your mental health.”
Heston has joined the Lillian Martin home at Mornington, where he has already become a popular addition to the village.
The animals are cared for through Uniting AgeWell’s Paws, Claws and Beaks committee, which is now aiming to allow residents to bring their pets with them.
“Often we get people who need to come into aged care for health reasons but don’t want to leave their elderly cat or dog at home, so we’re hoping that would make the transition smoother,” the committee’s head Frances Schroeter said.
Sounds like a wonderful idea to us.
Fact: thanks to a 1927 law, greyhounds are required to wear a muzzle in public in most states and territories, despite being a loving and gentle dog according to the RSPCA. They are now trying to overturn the legislation.
