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SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | NOVEMBER 2025 11 By Annette Hillis, Resident For many older adults, a pet is far more than a companion – it's a source of comfort, purpose, and stability. Studies now confirm that pets can lower stress hormones, provide a calming daily rhythm, improve cardiovascular health, and even slow cognitive decline. Some less obvious and recently researched ways pet ownership can benefit a senior include reducing pain perception, possibly due to oxytocin release and distraction from discomfort, better sleep at night, as pets provide a sense of safety, and the encouragement of micro-movements like filling a water bowl or tossing a toy which can help maintain mobility and balance. In our own Solera Diamond Valley community, Teresa Malone, a devoted dog owner, embodies this connection as she and her four- legged friend, Max, share not just walks and routines, but a special relationship that enriches her health and happiness. Malone shares that she's always had rescues, but never had a puppy, like Max, to raise "from scratch" without the unpleasant habits that sometimes accompany them. She recalls that she always had to retrain her animals. This time she wanted to start with a clean slate. However, at this time in her life, Malone wasn't necessarily sure she wanted to get another pet, since she'd already been through the death of five different rescue dogs. "When I first saw Max in person, there were five or six other dogs around, but he kept coming back to me. And every time he'd come back to me, after playing with the other eight-week-old puppies, I would want to protect him from their biting and snipping. I remember my friend Bob telling me, your perfect puppy will find you. I think that's what happened," says Malone. "Max gives me a purpose. He's so soft and cuddly; it's nice to touch him. Shih Tzus are known as protectors. He follows me all around the house. I hurt myself once and he came right up to me until it stopped. When I was ill, he stayed by me. At night, he comes to me on the couch at around 8:30, curls up, and coaxes me to go to bed. I would stay up later and scroll or watch movies if it weren't for Max." Malone has advice for others looking to add a pet to their life. She recommends carefully choosing the breed, as each breed has a job to do and has their own personality. Not getting an active breed, at this stage in life, is also key. Budget is a big consideration. She says that pet medical insurance was important to have and acquired hers through Costco at an affordable $15 per month. Finally, Malone looks back on her past human relationships. "I used to be Teresa Needham, as in 'needs him.' Now I'm Teresa Malone, as in 'I'm alone.'" She admits that she's now content with a different kind of partner, and his name is Max Malone – the self- described "love of her life." Pets: Nature's Caregivers

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