Tongyeong City Provides Companion Dogs to Elderly Living Alone... Alleviating Loneliness and Restoring Social Skills

Tongyeong City, Gyeongnam, has adopted three companion dogs through the 'Senior & Companion Dog Accompaniment Warmth Pet Project.' [Image source=Tongyeong City]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Sang-hyun] Tongyeong City, Gyeongnam Province announced on the 20th that it will operate the 'Senior & Companion Dog Warmth Pet Project,' which helps vulnerable elderly people achieve emotional stability and social recovery through pet ownership.

The Warmth Pet Project was initiated to provide emotional stability such as alleviating loneliness and restoring sociality for elderly people who are mentally and physically vulnerable due to the increasing aging population and reclusive elderly population.

The implementing agency, Tongyeong Disabled Welfare Center, in cooperation with the Abandoned Dog Protection Center, Tongyeong Animal Love Welfare Alliance, and Tongyeong Pet Grooming Academy, educates seniors on pet care methods. The companion dogs have completed vaccinations, toilet training, and obedience training to ensure they adapt smoothly to the new environment.

The elderly participants, who have spent long periods alone after the loss of their spouses and have reduced outdoor activities, are expected to increase social activities by walking and caring for their companion dogs.

A city official stated, "To prevent seniors from abandoning their companion dogs due to the burden of pet care, we will continuously support pet food and other needs, and, with the cooperation of implementing and partner organizations, regularly monitor the condition of both the seniors and their companion dogs."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.