Interspecies kinship: Persons in later life and their companion animals

The qualitative phenomenological method of Van Manen (1984, 1990) was utilized to illuminate the meaning having a companion animal holds for non-institutionalized adults age 65 and older. Twenty-one written narratives revealed a familial kinship of shared love and companionship. The revelation of elders that their companion animals are family was the primary finding of the study. Indicators of family membership included love and companionship. Love was found to be a blend of three components: Mother-child affection; unconditional positive regard; and the joy of caring for another living being. Companionship between persons in later life and their companion animals was found to be a blend of: Communication; a warm welcome home; shared space, activities of daily living, and playtime; increased social interaction; and caring for self in order to care for another.