My grandmother has always had stray pets. When I was growing up she had a mutt dog that entertained her guests by climbing a crooked palm tree in her backyard. The dog would run up the tree trunk, hold on for a few seconds and slide back down. The dog was rewarded with hearty pats on the head and a bowl of canned dog food.

A few years ago a tabby cat showed up at my grandmother’s door and she christened it Pocahontas. “Poky” as my grandparents call her was especially close to my grandfather. After his death earlier this year “Poky” and my grandmother had to come to a compromise.  They found companionship with each other.

My grandmother wasn’t lacking companionship, besides her friends and family, we’ve hired a college student working with family caregiver resources. The young lady went through online caregiver training courses and assists my grandmother with daily chores and errands.

The caregiver training programs are a great job resource for college students.  My grandmother is thrilled with her new helper and even signed her up for the local woman’s club. Although pets are great companions for the elderly caregivers offer invaluable assistance and companionship.

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