Adopt and Learn to Care For a Four-Legged Friend

Though rising COVID-19 vaccination rates have spurred some communities to reopen, many older adults continue to suffer from social isolation resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.

That’s why AARP in Houston is working with Best Friends Animal Society, a nonprofit with a mission to make Houston a no-kill city for cats and dogs, to help alleviate loneliness through pet adoption.

Isolation can be caused by many circumstances: social distancing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, becoming an empty nester when kids go off to college or losing a spouse.

“Interacting with animals can satisfy that emotional longing, providing happiness, comfort and purpose,” says Kerry McKeel of Best Friends. 

AARP and Best Friends will host two events via Zoom to help current and future owners learn how to best care for their pets. 

Questions about pet behavior will be answered in the Sept. 24 session; ways to help pets in your community will be offered on Oct. 1. Both are on Friday at noon.

AARP is offering a 50 percent discount on pet adoptions. The events, which take place during Hispanic Heritage Month, will also include information and resources for the Latino community.

Learn more at aarp.org/houston and bestfriends.org.

—George Bridges