Furry friends at The Botanic

It’s not just the residents who love each other’s company at The Botanic. The pet-friendly retirement village has created a new community of furry friends.

Michelle Pipping, Millwater resident and sales executive at The Botanic, says pets bring a richness to the pet-friendly village and play an important role in supporting wellness in our retirement years.

‘Pets help to keep us motivated and active. They encourage us to stretch, move around and get outdoors because you’re often bending down, lifting them up or walking them.’

Louie, the Russian blue, is only 2.5 years old and has made friends with the feline grandfather of the village, 16-year-old Thomas. It is fortunate that Animates is nearby, because Thomas has become a fussy eater in his old age. His owner makes frequent trips on foot to keep up with the fluffy cat’s latest food fad.

Michelle says that like their owners, pets have quickly adjusted to life at The Botanic and they love the landscaped gardens and open spaces on offer at the Hibiscus Coast’s newest retirement village.

Cassie, the golden retriever, is the largest dog in the village and is always happy to pose for photos or stop for pats.

Just along the pathway is Milly the cheeky chihuahua. She has just turned one and is the youngest dog at The Botanic. Her owner says she keeps her on her toes. And Louie is a shih tzu and likes walks, cuddles and being brushed.

‘Pets bring so much character to our village. They provide unconditional friendship to their owners and transform their lives. There are so many benefits.’ says Michelle.

Inka, the löwchen, is on a summer holiday at the moment. Her owners embrace the ‘lock up and leave’ lifestyle The Botanic offers and are currently on an extended caravanning holiday in the South Island. They sent a photo of Inka living her best life at the Hamner Springs Heritage Forest.

‘I think our pets are just like our residents,’ laughs Michelle. ‘They’re living lives full of wellness, purpose and connection. It’s a cat’s life and a dog’s life at The Botanic!

Visit thebotanic.co.nz or call 0508 268 264.