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Putting life into pets and owners

Natalie NazzariCanning Gazette

Mr Traynor's wife has Alzheimer's disease and his son has a disability.

But the 80-year-old's golden labrador, Holly, is considered a part of the family too.

Now Holly is a valued member of a much bigger family thanks to Pets of Older Persons (POOPs).

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The not-for-profit association has volunteers who walk dogs for people who are over the age of 65 or palliative care patients.

Mr Traynor, a father of four, said before the help of POOPs Holly was putting on weight, but now she was a healthier and happier dog.

"We haven't been able to take Holly for a walk because my son isn't steady on his feet and my wife can't walk out with the dog because she'll get lost," Mr Traynor said.

"POOPs is a big help because Holly had not been for a walk for at least two or three years and we used to take her for walks every night.

"POOPs would have to be one of the |best organisations that you can be in if |you have a dog."

Thornlie resident Jim Wright is one of the POOPs volunteers who regularly takes Holly for a walk.

The active 70-year-old father of two understands the importance of keeping pets and people together.

"We get satisfaction from it because you see the benefits dogs get from regular walks and the benefits flow through to their owners," Mr Wright said.

"Holly seems to know when the volunteers are arriving " she stomps her feet in the kitchen waiting for you to get the lead on and let her out.

"In a lot of cases pets are all that people have, so the fact that POOPs can help keep them together and us being able to take the pressure off them is a bit of a win-win for everyone."

POOPs has more than 200 volunteers working throughout Perth.

The organisation's south coordinator, Beth Wright, said pets provided elderly people with companionship and helped with their general wellbeing.

"When people know that their pets are being provided with vital exercise and stimulation, this gives them great peace of mind," she said.

"Sadly, age and isolation often go hand in hand " keeping people and pets together lies at the heart of the POOPs philosophy."

With the inevitable expansion of the organisation, POOPs is looking for longer-term sustainability.

"We would very much like to find a benefactor with the same ethos as POOPS," Mr Wright said.

To contribute, call POOPs on 9450 3206.