It’s hard to know just who is giving more comfort to who – but there’s no doubt that 96-year-old Doris Schowell and her cat Bella are happier since they found each other.
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A year ago Mrs Schowell adopted Bella from Launceston’s RSPCA and they bonded beautifully.
“She’s just marvellous,” Mrs Showell said as Bella draped over her knee and made sure not all the attention was on the knitting.
“The place was so lonely before – and I love tortoiseshell cats, I’ve had five in total.
“She gives me a lot of love – and incentive to live. I have to get up and feed her and make sure she’s okay – when I first got her she wouldn’t sit on my knee but that’s where she is most of the time now.”
Animal Care Centre manager Lorraine Hamilton said that she has witnessed the benefits of pet ownership for older people, who, with the right little dog or cat, find their quality of life greatly improves.
“As long as there is a plan in place to care for that pet if the owner passes on there is no doubt both parties benefit from having company.”