We’ve discussed the beneficial impact of pet ownership many times in these articles whether it be from an educational perspective, encouraging children to have empathy and a sense of responsibility, or from a companionship one.

Pet owners don’t need to be reminded of the enjoyment that their animals bring, making the commitment worthwhile - owning a dog means that you take exercise no matter what the weather; and having a cat in your life brings a variety of pleasures depending upon the personality of the cat.

A surprising number of elderly people give up on the idea of owning a pet because they are worried that the animal will either outlive them, or not be able to move with them should their housing needs change.

The ManxSPCA has a special care scheme that gives pet owners extra reassurance that their animals will be looked after by the society should they no longer be able to care for their pet themselves.

By registering their pet, or pets, onto the scheme the owner can be assured that there will be a loving home for their animal should they no longer be able to look after it.

The service is free of charge, and simply requires the pet owner to complete an application form which provides the society with information about their animals - their ages, their health, their behaviour traits, their likes and dislikes.

The pet owner is then issued with a credit card sized care confirmation document that they can carry with them at all times, rather like a kidney donor card.

If you would like more information about the scheme contact Juana on [email protected] or call 851672.

Many older people prefer smaller dogs for obvious reasons, not least because they generally require less exercise and are usually more manageable.

The kennels doesn’t have small dogs staying for very long. Most are adopted within days but larger dogs can be with us for some time.

Jeff is a four-year-old lurcher cross, and he’s big and bouncy.

The kennels team describe him as an overgrown, playful puppy and he’ll need new owners with plenty of energy so that they can keep up with him.

They will also need to carry on with Jeff’s training. He’s a very intelligent dog and he’s responding really well to basic commands.

For all he’s a big dog, Jeff can be quite nervous and a bit unsure of himself, and so he’ll suit a calm home environment where he is the only pet.

Whoever is lucky enough to adopt Jeff and make him the centre of their world will find that he gives so much back - he will become the most loyal and loving companion anyone could wish for.

Bella, the two-year-old American bulldog, is slightly shorter than Jeff but a bit stockier, and so she seems bigger.

Unlike the more reserved Jeff, Bella is everyone’s best friend as soon as she meets them.

She forgets her size and can be a bit boisterous when she’s playing, but she’s only young and so her ’giddiness’ is understandable.

She’s also a bundle of fun out in the fields and runs round them like a maniac, tripping herself up and making the occasional nose-dive which doesn’t seem to faze her, and so when she comes back indoors she’s worn out and snores away happily on the nearest sofa.

She’s really good company,and she’s used to children, but she would be better suited to teenagers.

Like Jeff, she will benefit from training and she will repay the time and effort invested in her many times over.

Adopting rather than shopping for a pet not only gives a rescued animal a second chance, it also means that you take home a new member of the household that you know something about, and so it removes much of the guesswork.

The staff at the ManxSPCA get to know the animals in their care - their likes and dislikes - and they can give ongoing support to owners even after an adoption has been completed.