Seniors… how to extend the joy in your life in Santa Cruz, Ca.

Posted May 25, 2008 @ 2:19 pm, Viewed by 232 Visitors, Read 246 Times.

Seniors… how to extend the joy in your life in Santa Cruz, Ca..

Avoiding the Foreclosed Home Pet Syndrome

Saving money is something most of us like to do. Over time we realize there is a difference between cost and value. One of the things that is a joy to me and many, is friends and pets. Both can go together or be individually enjoyed.

As we age, we sometimes lose friends or a mate. It has been found that having a pet extends peoples lives and gives purpose. Many times when we lose loved ones, a part of us starts to ebb away. We need purpose in our lives to continue on. Often when a mate is lost the other can quickly lose their will to live. We have seen it time and again particularly for the much older seniors who have been together for four, five, or six decades.

One way to help the person get through this grieving period is with a pet. One of the things we find is that pets give love unconditionally .Often a younger pet provides enthusiasm and zest, which can give a spark to someone whose flame, is starting to dwindle.

An Ohio organization, Pets for the Elderly Foundation, will help pay up $50 of adoption costs. Fees such as medical exams, spaying or neutering are covered when someone over 60 adopts a pet from one of 58 animal shelters in 31 states. For details click on this link and click on the Adopta Pet Link, www.petsfortheelderly.org You can call them to find more details at 1-866-849-3598. You can contact the Santa Cruz SPCA at (831) 465-5000 for pets you may wish to adopt in Santa Cruz County.

If you have a problem with keeping a pet at your Santa Cruz condominium or need to get a smaller home, give me a call as I am a (SRES) Seniors Real Estate Specialist. I can help find that pet friendly environment, whether it is a home, mobile home or condominium that will be right for your pet.

Foreclosed Home Pet Syndrome

One of the phenomena is this devolving real estate market, though not so much so in Santa Cruz, is the “foreclosed home pet syndrome.” With the national trend towards people leaving their homes, pets in the United States are being abandoned or surrendered to shelters at astronomical rates. This is due, in large part, to a high number of people losing their homes. Often the family pet is considered more a non-essential luxury, in times of distress. The Santa Cruz SPCA urges anyone at risk of foreclosure or eviction to plan ahead for your animal's care in the event you lose your home. If you are concerned that you will possibly be facing that situation, give me a call, there are several things we can do to try to save your credit, your house, and your situation. You can reach me, Gregg at 831-464-4423. If the time has come to find a place for your pets, please do not leave them behind; take them to your local shelter. 

Think kindly of yourself and your pets and have a great life. If you would like to read my other blogs go to www.propertyinsantacruz.com and look for the Santa Cruz Seniors and Real Estate blog on the left.

The Santa Cruz area is a vibrant community, located on the north end of Monterey Bay, and is home to artisans, beach goers, hi tech types, and college students.There is plenty of natural beauty from the ocean side coastal towns to the little mountain communities. Let my 30 years or local knowledge and 20 years of real estate help you find the right home or property in Santa Cruz..As a Seniors Specialist,( SRES) let me help find a place for your parents or you that meets your needs now and in the future.

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2 Responses to “Seniors… how to extend the joy in your life in Santa Cruz, Ca.”

I have children, I have grandchildren and I have pets, which are my other children.  I always try to understand how people can leave pets behind and even have a hard time dealing with disasters like Katrina.  I guess when you have no choice you simply have to follow the rules and hope for the best.  But I still can't see ever leaving my "babies" behind for anything! With that said, this is a great post and one I've really not given much thought to, pets being abandoned when people are forced out of homes due to foreclosure.  I watch the Animal Planet Animal Control series and it's so sad to see pets abandoned by their owners to starve & die a slow death in a home or tied out in a yard.  The only way many of these pets were saved is because of concerned neighbors. Anyone losing their home or the ability to care for their pets should drop them off at the nearest shelter if they can't find a good home for them.  At least it gives the animals a chance.

Posted 3 months ago

Yes Judy ,it is a sad commentary, but I think in desperate times, people do desperate things. While one can't equate it to things that go in during wars and famines, people are backed to the walls with little choice for survival. While Santa Cruz does not have an participating facility, this is at least some attempt to help seniors and try to get some of those displaced "canine family  members" a safe and caring environment. Many little things like this can help people find caring homes. I am sure there are deep emotional wounds, probably worse on the humans than the pets.

Posted 3 months ago