A place for pets: An interview with Roberta Beach of Silverwalk Hounds Sanctuary

For many of us, our pets are our best friends, and have been for years. Unfortunately, some circumstances demand that we part ways with our furry pals sooner than expected. Roberta Beach of Silverwalk Hounds Sanctuary has helped many a pet owner through this situation. Here, she explains how to make sure your pet will always have a home.

__TBY: What happens when a pet owner moves to a place that doesn't allow pets? What can owners do to find a new home for their pet?__

Beach: First, owners need to consider the fact they may not outlive nor be able to keep their pet for their lifetime. This is very hard. Just thinking of this myself makes me tear up! However, as in all life plans, the potential tough decisions must be made as well as those more pleasant ...

Justice gives his "mom," Roberta Beach, a kiss near the trail at Juden Creek Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013 in Cape Girardeau. (Laura Simon)

When an owner moves to a nursing home or place that won't take their pet, they need to consider whether or not that pet will happily adjust to a new situation. Very elderly pets, in particular, who have been with their family most, if not all, of their lives, are often, not always, better served with kind and humane euthanization, going to heaven in the arms of those who they love and trust. Had such an agreement with my vet regarding a particular beagle whom I loved (he was not a Silverwalk dog, but a personal dog). This beagle had issues. He and I had a very good rapport to the tune where I was more his human than he my dog. But if something happened to me where I couldn't keep him, asking another person to learn his quirks (including nipping and biting in certain situations) would not be fair to him or his new person. He went on to heaven earlier than I wanted him to, but the plan was there.

Many family members are not able/ready/want to care for another family's dog, no matter what the age. Multiple rescues and sanctuaries focus on senior pets, including Silverwalk Hounds (www.silverwalkhounds.org), St. Louis Senior Dog Project (www.stlsdp.org) and Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary (www.ofsds.org).

It is always good to be able to donate a substantial sum when surrendering your pet if able, but this should not be a deal breaker. We senior dog rescues are here for the dogs and their owners first, not their funds, which some of them may dearly need. But, it is helpful to defray medical costs incurred more often by senior dogs than younger dogs (in general).

__TBY: Do you meet many owners who must part ways with their pets? What is your advice to senior pet owners and their families?__

__Beach:__ Most nursing homes and retirement communities will allow dogs to visit; they must be clean and up to date on shots. Several local institutions have their own dogs who engage with residents and visitors.

I see this situation frequently not only at Silverwalk Hounds but at other local rescues and humane societies. I've been called by the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri (www.semopets.org) to take in a senior beagle or hound because they know I like helping those dogs who don't do well in a caged shelter situation after living their lives in a home, no matter how kind the shelter staff are.

I took in a St. Bernard/husky mix for Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary (www.safeharboranimalsanctuary.org). At the time, he was the biggest dog I'd ever had. His owner was too sick to care for him any longer, and the family mostly lived out of state and on the road. They were very generous with food and information. He was a delight while he was here -- not a dog for an outside pen for sure, but a big house dog ...

I recently adopted out a senior beagle girl whose family was in a motor vehicle accident with tragic outcomes: the dad was killed; his son was burned and lost an arm, and the mom, who survived with little physical injury, was overwhelmed with grief and caring for her son.

In this case, I was forwarded the link on Facebook by an e-friend in New Jersey. Having room, I then contacted the mom and picked up the lovely girl beagle. I fell in love, and so did a couple in St. Louis, with whom she now lives along with a cat and neighbors' chickens. She was happy enough, and I was over the moon with her, but a home is always better ...

__TBY: What happens when a pet owner dies -- what can owners do ahead of time to make sure their pet is cared for?__

__Beach:__ Owners should have worst-scenario plans in place, including:

* Financing

* Consulting with their vet

* Including copies of vet records so anyone caring for the dog knows she is up to date on shots, etc. Vets often know people who want an older dog or to help someone in need. They are a wonderful resource.

* List of food, amount, what time given, supplements

* Type of exercise, frequency

* Habits of their pet

* Preferred pet products store and manager

* Checking with family to see if anyone could take their pet

* Contacting a local rescue/sanctuary about their ability to help or advise

It may help some if they are able to volunteer in any capacity prior to needing help with their dog. They will get to know the rescue to which their dog may go (and may change their mind and need to do more searching). And, the rescue will get to know them and their dog, understanding how the dog (or any pet) will best fit into the rescue when/if the time comes.

__TBY: Anything else you'd like to add?__

__Beach:__ Few people, including myself, can resist puppy breath. Senior dogs, though, give more than you ever expect. I would love to help more families and their senior dogs, but need foster homes who will give that dog a home not the same as the one they lost, but filled with love, kindness and structure, making them part of a family again for however long they have on this earth.

As dog owners and lovers, and for any pet, we need to know we most likely may outlive them. When their time comes, don't surrender your pet to strangers. Be strong though you are weeping inside, give your pet a special last day (walk in the park, go to the woods, get ice cream, whatever delights your pet) and then, in your arms, send your pet to heaven. You've loved and been loved, for a long or short time. Your heart will always hold your pet there.

If anyone needs help deciding what to do with their pet or a relative's/friend's pet due to age, illness or loss of financial security, please email me at silverwalkhounds@gmail.com. I'm more than willing to explore your options, hear what you need, hear what your pet needs and help you find placement for your pet. I'll go with you to the vet for that last visit if that's your decision. Life throws curve balls. Senior sanctuaries like Silverwalk Hounds are here to help.