Pets play an important role in our lives regardless of age. There has been plenty of research on how pets can help people live longer, healthier lives, so if you have a pet it’s important to find a senior living community that lets you bring your fur baby or feathered friend. At Branchlands Senior Living, residents are welcome to bring their pets with them when they are ready to make the move into either independent or assisted living. Branchlands allows a variety of pets including dogs under 35 pounds, cats, birds, and other small creatures like hamsters or guinea pigs. For those living at Linden House Assisted Living and Memory Care, we offer support caring for your animals, giving residents the peace of mind that we are there for you and your pets.
Curious about what life is like for the animals at our pet-friendly senior living community? Here are a few of the pets you just might meet if you visit Branchlands today.
Residents and their Pets
Carol and Honey
Carol recently moved into Branchlands Senior Living with her 12-year-old beagle mix, Honey. Finding a place on the first floor was a priority for her, so she could easily take Honey outside for late-night bathroom breaks. Her apartment features a door to the outside for quick access when nature calls.
“I love walking around Branchlands,” says Carol. “We have trails and a quiet subdivision where we can walk.”
Honey was adopted from a shelter in Cleveland when she was just 4 pounds and 6 weeks old. Carol had just lost her husband, and her son insisted she get a dog for company.
Honey has a great personality, and many residents enjoy her. One of her favorite places to go is the benches outside, where she sometimes meets another resident, like Marianne (pictured above). Another favorite is the pool room where she will watch residents play for hours. Honey has even inspired her mother, Carol, to learn to play.
Florence and Angie
Angie is 6, but when you walk through the door of her owner’s apartment you would think she was still a puppy. She jumps like her legs are made of springs and has all the energy you would expect from a Jack Russell terrier. Florence, who has owned many dogs over her lifetime including golden retrievers and dachshunds, says she doesn’t have a favorite breed, but she’s very fond of Jack Russells.
Florence took it for granted that all senior living communities allowed dogs and was fortunate to find Branchlands’ pet-friendly senior living community right away before discovering other places don’t allow pets. “I had a very large house with a fenced-in yard,” Florence says, “so I was a bit nervous about moving into an apartment.”
Everything has turned out well for Angie in her transition to Branchlands. “She loves it here,” says Florence. “It’s the people.” Everywhere she goes, Angie finds someone to greet her and pay her attention. Not only is Angie a wonderful companion for Florence, but she’s also great company for other guests when they meet her in the courtyard or on her favorite walking trails outside.
Bobbe and Bill with Shadow and Midnight
When they first arrived at Branchlands Senior Living, Bobbe and Bill were wondering how their two black and white cats, Shadow and Midnight, would adjust. Bobbe and Bill sold their home in New Jersey and downsized to be closer to their daughter in Charlottesville. Fortunately, the cats quickly acclimated to apartment life at Branchlands and love their new home.
Shadow and Midnight are brothers and are inseparable. “Cats do much better in pairs,” according to Bobbe. “We’ve almost always had two cats.” Most days after dinner, you will find one cat on each of their laps, watching the news on a big-screen TV. Midnight is a bit shy, but Shadow will show you affection, especially if you dangle one of his toys in front of him.
Bobbe particularly appreciates the community at Branchlands. Her friend and fellow resident, Nancy, will gladly stop by and take care of the cats if she and Bill go away for a few days. Helpful neighbors like Nancy are part of what makes Branchlands perfect for pet owners!
Susan and Hazel
Little Hazel may be small, but she has a big presence! Hazel, a 6-year-old bichon poodle, loves humans and insists on your attention when you walk into the apartment of her owner, Susan. Originally from the Virginia Beach area, Susan has decorated her apartment like a coastal retreat and Hazel has her throne on the living room sofa, where she sleeps most of the day when there isn’t a visitor to distract her.
“Hazel was attacked by a German shepherd four years ago, so is hesitant around dogs,” says Susan, “but she seems to like her canine neighbor Honey.” Who doesn’t love Honey? Hazel might be hesitant around other dogs, but Branchlands’ large outdoor areas mean she has the personal space she needs to be comfortable.
Susan has had dogs all her life, so when relocating from the Hampton Roads area to be nearer to her sister, it was important to find a pet-friendly senior living community like Branchlands where she could bring her sweet Hazel. It helps that Susan’s apartment has a door to the outside, making it easy to take Hazel on regular walks.
Pet Therapy
“Your world gets smaller as you age,” according to Michelle Whitlock, certified pet therapist. “The dog is a bridge to all you had that was special and memorable.”
Those residents without pets can relive good memories and enjoy a visit from the pet therapy dog who visits Linden House Assisted Living and Memory Care at Branchlands regularly. Once a month, Michelle brings in her 11-year-old Labrador retriever, Lola, to meet the residents. Lola brings smiles to the faces of everyone she greets. “A good therapy dog is an obedient dog who is responsive to the owner and is not excitable,” says Michelle, who has been visiting Linden House for two years.
All pet therapy dogs must be certified annually by one of many pet therapy organizations. Michelle and Lola are certified through Alliance of Therapy Dogs in Cheyenne, Wyo., so they can visit places like Linden House to spend time with residents. “When I go into Memory Care, most residents are sitting,” says Michelle. “I let Lola interact with each resident individually. They pet her, talk to her, they smile. Sometimes a person can seem listless and when their hand is put on Lola’s head, there’s like this instant familiarity and they connect. The resident will smile and focus their gaze on her.”
The duo also visits with residents of Assisted Living in the lounge area outside of the dining room. Lola has a small fan club of three residents who come early to pet her, while others will spontaneously come over as they pass by the area. “People love to share about their dogs,” Michelle says. “It’s a happy memory that they enjoy sharing. It’s a very common experience in pet therapy. I love to see people brighten up. It brings me a lot of joy.”
Pet Services
At Linden House Assisted Living and Memory Care at Branchlands, residents can have assistance with many of their pet’s needs. A network of professionals will feed residents’ pets, walk dogs, and clean litter boxes and bird cages, among other duties. These services require a monthly fee based on the type of animal, and Branchlands will provide free transportation to the vet or groomer if the need arises. To ensure the animals’ well-being, all residents with pets must have a person or agency designated to care for their pet in case of an emergency.
There are beautiful dog-friendly trails near our pet-friendly senior living campus, as well as area dog parks, where you can meet up with other dog owners. Many local Charlottesville restaurants and wineries allow you to bring your dog outside so you can enjoy your pets while spending time with friends and family in the beautiful outdoors of Central Virginia. Branchlands is also conveniently located near several veterinarians, pet shops, and groomers. If you need a ride to one of those places, Branchlands will happily take you there.
Is Branchlands Right for My Pet?
There are a lot of factors when looking for a senior living community, but when searching for a pet-friendly community, there are even more questions to ask, including:
- What are your pet policies?
- Where can I walk my dog or let my dog relieve itself?
- What if I need to leave home?
- How will we get to the vet? Is there a vet close by?
- What are the vaccine requirements?
- Are there any size and breed restrictions, and is there any leeway?
- What are the fees for pet services, and what services are available?
- Is my pet allowed in public spaces?
If you are in search of a pet-friendly senior living community, then Branchlands Senior Living is the choice for you. The area is perfect for pet owners who love to walk their dogs on sidewalks or nature trails, or who have cats that will be constantly entertained while peering out the window at all the birds and squirrels in nearby trees. Call to schedule your tour today and see all that Branchlands has to offer for you and your pet. If you are lucky, you might just meet Honey, Angie, or Hazel on your visit.
