Pet Friendly Community
Meet Groucho, Victory Centre of Galewood's house dog. He is a German Shepard mix and was lovingly adopted about 2 years ago. Grocho is very protective of his residents as they are of him.
Dozens of older dogs have “retired” in comfort thanks to the signature See Spot Retire program created by Pathway Senior Living, the operator of Victory Centre of Galewood Supportive Living Community. See Spot Retire offers older dogs new lives and affords residents meaningful relationships and unconditional affection. In these win-win adoptions, the dogs, like many of the senior residents, now have a new lease on life, and senior residents can enjoy the benefits of pet ownership without shouldering the responsibility and cost of caring for a dog.
The many known benefits of pet relationships include
- Better mood
- Lower blood pressure
- Relaxation
- Stress relief
- Less pain
- Increased communication and more opportunities for touch and contact
All of these benefits can lead to better physical and mental health. Plus, with Groucho around, the community feels more like “home” for the residents, staff and visitors.
Our residents are also welcome to move in with their own small pets. Any move can be hard, having a familiar companion often helps with the transition.
"Groucho and I have been friends for a long time. The last few months when I came back from the hospital after being ill, he touched me in such a way, I knew I had something special with him. I love animals, Groucho gives me a feeling of mattering to him. He seeks me out constantly as we go for leisurely walks and spend time together. He always feels like he’s free with me. I feel wonderful everyday and I look forward to seeing him again. I know that he will be here waiting for me and that gives me an extra special, loving feeling that I can wake up to everyday." Nola Jean, resident