Companion animals and older people

It is widely acknowledged that pets can positively benefit the well-being of owners and for many older people living on their own, their pets are their reason for living.

They are constant companions – on hand 24 hours a day, every day, comforting, loving and protecting them from loneliness.

Pets are warm and intensely loyal. They do not criticise, they boost morale, they help reduce stress by providing emotional security and they help to provide a fixed routine. Pets have the ability to bring happiness and laughter and lift depression. Communication with other people is often easier when a pet is present for reassurance.

The special relationship between owner and pet adds incalculably to the quality of life, but all the pleasures and benefits can be completely neutralised by intense anxiety regarding the fate of their devoted companion should the owner die, fall ill or have to move to residential accommodation. If an ‘old faithful’ dies, elderly owners are often very reluctant to have another pet for these reasons and life for them loses much of its warmth, light and purpose. We understand this and it is why we offer our profile service to give peace of mind about the future of pets and practical help where needed.

What is the Cinnamon Trust?

Cinnamon Trust is the only specialist national charity which seeks to relieve the anxieties, problems and sometimes injustices faced by elderly and terminally ill people and their pets, thereby saving a great deal of human sadness and animal suffering. The Trust was founded in 1985 by Mrs Averil Jarvis whose determination and dedication has ensured that the manifest need is fully addressed.

…and why Cinnamon?

Just as Mrs Jarvis was starting her work to develop the charity, her beloved Corgi, Cinnamon, died in her 17th year. It seemed appropriate to name the Trust in her memory.