SantaFe Senior Living
Notable author Edith Wharton once wrote, “My little dog – a heartbeat at my feet.” And sure enough, if you stroll the lovely welcoming hallways at The Terraces of Bonita Springs, you will soon encounter a host of friendly residents, both of the two-legged and four-legged variety. As a pet-friendly luxury senior living community, The Terraces’ pup population hovers at about 12, a pleasant, furry, well-mannered group who enjoy the community’s dog park, beautifully-appointed apartments, and an abundance of love and hugs from their owners and neighbors alike.
Besides warm cuddles and adoring gazes, science proves that pets provide a tremendous amount of other benefits as well. AgingCare.com, a website focusing on the needs of seniors, explains that animals can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase social interaction and physical activity. The article goes on to say that pets can also have an astounding effect on symptoms of depression and feelings of loneliness.
After meeting a few of The Terraces’ canine companions, one can only conclude that all of that is entirely true.
Spencer, for example, is a nearly three-year-old Havanese owned by John and Dorothy Guigon. His hazel eyes belie a watchful intelligence, and it is nearly impossible to meet him without wanting to immediately hug him. When the couple set out to purchase a pet two years ago, a family friend told them they just had to see this new puppy in Lehigh Acres. The rest, as they say, is history. We are told that Spencer has many “aunts” and “uncles” in both independent living and the Renaissance who enjoy his company.
For the Urichs, it took some time for Bob to convince Susan that it was time for a dog in their lives. But once they met a mother/daughter breeder duo with impeccable credentials, and a passion for their Havanese charges, Susan was on board. Bob recalls they had to undergo an in-depth interview before they were “approved.” Now eight years old, little Gracie is an absolute delight. Sweet and affectionate, she clearly loves her “parents,” and eagerly jumps from one lap to the other.
Next, Carole Revelt shares her sweet story about seven-year-old Max, a loving, funny Jack Russell/Chihuahua rescue pup. It was Carole’s daughter who insisted that she get a dog for companionship, and to help cheer her up after some challenging times. Carole relented and went to the dog shelter intending to find a fluffy, furry friend. To her surprise, she fell in love with Max of the shorter hair variety, not at all what she had pictured. Carole and Max clearly take great delight in each other, and their unmistakable bond is truly heartwarming.
Although each of these pups is quite unique in his or her own way, they all share common characteristics: they are loving and well-loved, they are precious companions to their humans, and they have adapted well to their luxury lifestyle at The Terraces at Bonita Springs.
Stay tuned for more pup profiles coming soon!