South Surrey group creates monthly meetups for senior dogs and their owners

A South Surrey resident has started a monthly meetup group for senior dogs and their owners. Ariana Alblas created Golden Years Dog Community after looking for a similar local group and finding none.

The group first met in June and generally gathers on the first Sunday of each month at Bakerview Park in South Surrey. Its August meeting was held Aug. 9 because of the long weekend, with about 10 dogs coming and going during the hour-and-a-half event.

Alblas said the gatherings are deliberately informal. She usually brings water, treats and pup cups, while the dogs and their owners spend time together in a lower-key environment.

An animal massage therapist and acupressure practitioner, Alblas said she has seen how difficult a pet’s later years and loss can be for owners. She hopes the group gives people a way to exchange information, form friendships and offer one another support while senior dogs continue to socialize. Information about upcoming meetups is available through Golden Years Dog Community on Facebook.