THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, OCTObER 3, 2025 Page 15 Sa nir Sa a y Senior Seni by Jim Miller Top Pet Products for Seniors with Mobility Issues Dear Savvy Senior, My pet-loving mother has two cats and a dog, but her knee and back problems make caring for them increasingly difficult. Are there pet care products you can recommend that help elderly pet older owners with mobility problems? Searching Susan Dear Susan, Great question! For older pet owners with limited mobility, daily tasks like feeding, walking or cleaning up after their pets can become physically challenging. Fortunately, there are a variety of products that are specifi - cally designed to make pet care more manageable. With the help of Next Avenue, a nonprofi t, digital publication for older adults, here is a rundown on some top products that can help your mom care for her pets no matter her mobility. Automatic Pet Feeder Just like you, your pet needs to eat a few times a day. But lifting heavy food bags or bending to fi ll bowls can strain a bad back. An automatic pet feeder can help keep your mom’s pets well-fed without having to stoop or bend much. The Petlibro Air Automatic Feeder (Chewy.com, $50) has a locking food tank to prevent between-meal snacking and can hold up to 16 portions. It runs on batteries that last 180 days, so you can put it anywhere you want. You’ll have to refi ll it now and then, but this product means a lot less bending and lifting. Age-Friendly Litter Boxes Bending or stooping over to fill or clean out the kitty litter box can be challenging for many mobility-challenged cat owners. To alleviate this, LoftyLoo (LoftyLoo.com) sells an elevated litter box for $289. Compatible with stairs and ramps for older cats, LoftyLoo’s raised litter box furniture has options for anyone living with chronic pain or recovering from surgery. It’s also fully wheelchair accessible. Another option that can make kitty litter clean up easier is the Litter-Robot 4 by Whisker (Litter-Robot.com, $699). This automatic, self-cleaning litter box eliminates scooping and reduces the odor and waste removal, which is helpful for older cat owners. Long-Handled Pooper Scooper Stooping over to clean up after your dog can be challenging if you have back, hip or knee problems. Long-handled waste scoopers can make this cleanup task much more manageable. The ShinyDew Pooper Scooper (Amazon.com, $24) is a foldable, 32-inch-long dog poop picker upper, so you don’t have to bend to pick up your pet’s waste. You can use it with one hand and also attach waste bags to the scooper for even easier disposal. Hands-Free Leash Most dogs love their daily walk and need the exercise for their own optimal health. But for seniors that use a cane, walker, wheelchair or have pain in your upper body, using a traditional leash can be challenging. If walking a pet is diffi cult, handsfree leashes or harnesses can make the experience more manageable. One option is the Hands-Free Dog Leash with Zipper Pouch (iYoShop.com, $22), which clips around your waist, has a refl ective safety strip for visibility and includes two shock absorbers to prevent tugging. But note that this product should only be used if your pet cannot physically pull you down. Pet Treadmill If your mom can’t walk her dog any longer, she can still give them plenty of exercise by getting a pet treadmill. The PETSITE Dog Treadmill (Amazon.com, $286) has 12 preset programs and three incline options. The large running belt measures 39 inches long by 14.5 inches wide with a slip resistant running surface and safety fences along the sides. It also comes with a remote to adjust speed and automatically turns off after 30 minutes. Automatic Ball Launcher Another way your mom can exercise her dog, if walking isn’t an option, is with an automated ball launcher. The Joyhound Electronic Ball Launcher (Petsmart.com, $120) comes with three tennis balls and can lob them 10 to 40 feet. Your mom can rest on her patio while her dog gets a challenging and entertaining workout. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070. nior ior Everett Public Libraries present The Haunted Library: A Literary Masquerade A spooktacular evening of costumes, characters and community fun at the Parlin Memorial Library Special to Th e Advocate T he Everett Public Libraries invite the community to step into a world of eerie enchantment at their annual event The Haunted Library: A Literary Masquerade, which will take place on Friday, Oct. 17, at 6:00 p.m. at the Parlin Memorial Library (410 Broadway). This free seasonal celebration promises an evening of spooky delights and literary fun for all ages and is perfect for those who don’t mind a few spirits from stories past making an appearance. Guests can mingle with ghostly characters, explore a haunted maze through the library stacks and dance the night away with spectral company. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their best literary-inspired costumes. Those who impress the most will take home a spooky treat. “Our staff are so excited to share this event with the community again,” said Head of Circulation Victoria Iannuzzi. “Last year was such a hit, from our low-sensory cozy corner to our haunted maze full of characters, we had something for everyone. This year, we’re expanding the activities to both floors so our young patrons can join in on the fun.” The masquerade will feature free refreshments and entertainment for both children and adults. Highlights include a special appearance by Snow White in the Children’s Department. Please note: The haunted show is not recommended for children under fi ve. While parents enjoy festivities upstairs, librarians will provide engaging activities for younger visitors below. The Haunted Library awaits — if you dare to turn the page. For more information on this and other upcoming Everett Public Libraries events, visit bit.ly/eveprograms or call 617394-2300. For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@advocatenews.net
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