By
Marantine Mauguin
Published it
See my news
It’s well known that dogs are man’s best friends, and who doesn’t dream of spending all their days with their best friend?
In recent years, taking your pet to work has become more popular. But it’s not just companies taking this step towards animals, nursing homes and homes for seniors are doing it too.
“We have the right to have our own animal”
In Echauffour (Orne) shared housing for seniors as mascot Olga, a seven-year-old dog who accompanied her master Didier after moving into the Ce Famille house.
“This family is a housing solution that aims to be a home. The residents are at home, so when you are at home, you have the right to have your pet,” explains Dolores Portier, head of the Normandy region.
In the shared life project
Here, the only difference compared to a real home is that you share your daily life with the other roommates.
Having animals in the house or not is connected to their choice.
Roommates must give their consent and include it in the shared life project. Although all animals are accepted, “we often have dogs or cats”.
This choice to accept pets was made for the well being of the roommates. “We know that attachment to animals is extremely important.”
“She knows the house like no one else”
Olga, a small fox terrier and dachshund cross, joined the shared house after her master. “In the beginning she stayed with Didier and his son had to take care of her.”
She finally joined the house a year ago, and since then “she knows the house like no one else. She goes into everyone’s rooms.”
She comes to my room and checks if everything is okay, then she leaves.
Didier emphasizes that Olga’s adaptation to this new home went very well. “She made herself at home immediately. She tasted the pleasure of the sofa. She knew how to find her place.”
Everyone pays for the kibble
Of course, the owners remain responsible for their animals, but in Echauffour, Olga has made her place in the hearts of each roommate, so “it was decided as part of the shared housing project that the cost of her kibble should be shared between everyone and not just Didier” adds Dolores Porter.
Enough to prove that Olga has become the ninth roommate in the house.
“The dog is a true communicator”
His presence also has an advantage, “it has a very positive aspect of living together and on the connections we have made. The dog is a true mediator.”
Also, “having a dog forces them to move every day.”
At Ce Famille, no supplement is paid if you move in with a pet.
In case of death
The question also arises in the event of the death of the owner. “Either the family decides to get the animal back, or the roommates may decide to adopt it collectively.”
In the shared house, the eight housemates enjoy the presence of Olga, who is also very grateful for all the treats she has been given around the table.
Follow all the news from your favorite cities and media by subscribing to Mon Actu.
