100-Year-Old Woman Wants To Celebrate Her Birthday with 100 Dogs
Dog lover Avis Tolman who lives at the Bartlett Woods Retirement Community out of Rockland, Maine, will be celebrating her amazing 100th birthday on Wednesday, March 20.
The way this wonderful lady wants to celebrate such an incredible milestone? By inviting 100 dogs to celebrate her birthday with her.
WGME reports, "Bartlett Woods says Avis has always been a passionate dog lover, and this canine-themed party was something she had wished for, upon turning 100 years old."
Related: Birthday Girl Dances With Her Dog at Her Quinceanera in Once-in-a-Lifetime Moment
The rules for canines wishing to attend this celebration? All dogs must be well-trained on leash and in mingling with people. They must be fully vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and in good health. Puppies are welcome, with a minimum age of 12 weeks. The same health and behavior standards apply.
The article states that :
"The invitation requires an RSVP to Executive Director Mary Eads at (207) 593-1259 by March 19. Upon approval, dogs and owners will be asked to attend one of two shifts of dog visitors at 12:45 p.m. or 1:15 p.m. All dogs and owners will wait in the parking area until called to enter the building."
We hope that Arvis has the most wonderful birthday ever and we hope we get to see photos of what is sure to be an incredibly fun birthday celebration!
Why Spending Time With Dogs Is So Beneficial for Seniors
Spending time with dogs is beneficial for everyone, but it can be especially beneficial for those in their golden years. Dogs provide companionship for seniors, helping to alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common among the elderly. When you interact or pet a dog, the feel-good hormone of oxytocin is released, which can alleviate stress and raise people's moods.
Interacting with dogs, even for a short period, has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression in seniors.
Cigna explains, "Pets live in the here and now, without worry about the future or thoughts about the past. Playing or cuddling with your dog or cat can help you do the same. One study shows that 87% of people feel more relaxed after spending time with a pet. And for people who tend to spiral into worry, the same study found that pets help them live in the moment, and stay mindful."
Most of all, dogs offer unconditional love and affections, something all of us, no matter what age we are, can benefit from.
If you would like to connect a senior with a dog, please contact your local animal shelter or Humane Society who may offer a senior-for-senior program, which offers older individuals assistance with either fostering or adopting a pet. It's just wonderful not only for senior pets, but for people who would benefit greatly by the companionship a cat or dog can provide.
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