I've had this theory that assisted living and retirement facilities should be built adjacent to animal shelters. That way the human residents of the retirement facilities could have easy access to the animals and be able to provide some of the love and attention these animals need without having to accept the total responsibility for an animal at a stage in their life where they might not be able to follow through.

In and around my community, various retirement facilities have been built, yet little if any regard is given to making them animal friendly, i.e. provide special outdoor areas within easy access to the apartments. The information about the physical and psychological benefits of having a dog as one ages has been common knowledge for quite some time, but it doesn't seem to be translated into the accommodations for older people. Excuse me while I jump off my soap box.