Nova Scotia-based charity that helps seniors and dogs growing 'foot by paw'

A charity founded in Nova Scotia that gives seniors peace of mind and aging dogs a second chance at enjoying their golden years continues to grow "foot by paw," says its founder.

ElderDog, which launchedin Dartmouth in 2012, helpsfindnew homes for dogs whoseowners have movedinto retirement homes, fallenill ordied.

Many of the caninesElderDogworks with are seniors, too, and would otherwise be difficult to adopt out.

This year, ElderDogbecame a registered charity and opened six new chapters, bringing its total number to 16.There arenowgroupsacross the Maritimes,Ontario, Quebec and Alberta.

Its founder, Ardra Cole of Lunenburg, N.S., said the goal is to expand the charity across Canada one day.

"We're slowly getting there," she said.

Pairing seniors with seniors

The organizationhelps pair olderdogs withother seniors looking for companionship.

That's what happened to Lucy, a 10-year-old Lab-Rottweiler cross, whoseowner died earlier this year.

Thanks to ElderDog,Lucyfound a new home last month in Antigonish, N.S., with 74-year-old Elizabeth Leighton.

"I saw her picture and I thought she just looked delightful, and she is," said Leighton.

A common concern

Leighton said many seniorsworry about what will happen to their furry companions if they can't take care of them anymore.

"I think, 'Am I going to be able to do this for another year? And if I can't, who's going to be able to look after these animals?' And here's the answer," she said.

ElderDogalso helps seniors who canstill care for theirdogsbut need some extra help.

Volunteers many of them seniors themselves help with walking, groomingor giving medication, along with trips to the veterinarian.

To date,the charityhas found 220 dogs a new home and helped 100 seniors care for their canine companions.

A dog's purpose

Cole, a professor with a background in applied educational psychology, thought of ElderDogwhile researching Alzheimer's disease.

In her work, shediscovered how dogs can help seniors and their families cope with aging and illness.

"I really learned a lot about the role the family dog played in providing careboth for the ill seniors, but also family members who were doing the care," she said.

Cole said she decided to make it her life's work after her brother died unexpectedly, leaving behind his old chocolateLab.

"Iwondered what happens to those old dogs like him," she said.

"Old dogs are not the first dogs that people like up to adopt when they go to shelters, and old dogs don't do well in shelters."