Pet Friendly Community
The senior residents and staff at Oak Hill Supportive Living Community in Round Lake Beach, IL, recently found their perfect canine companion when they adopted 4-year-old Labrador mix, Nitra, as part of the community’s “See Spot Retire” adopt-a-pet program. After interviewing several doggie candidates, the residents and staff chose Nitra because of her sweet and gentle disposition. Potty trained and past her puppy-chewing stage, Nitra is not a jumper or barker. These qualities make her an excellent fit for the senior supportive living community, where some residents have challenges with mobility, eyesight and hearing.
“I just know we’re going to be best friends!” said Oak Hill resident Louise, a lifelong dog owner who can no longer care for her own pet.
Dozens of older dogs have “retired” in comfort thanks to the signature See Spot Retire program created by Pathway Senior Living, the operator of Oak Hill 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 Nitra around, the community feels more like “home” for the residents, staff and visitors.
“Dogs are like therapy. You can talk to them, tell them your problems and cuddle with them. They give you unconditional love. They really are like best friends,” Louise said.