Moving to Independent Living with a Canine Companion

By Penny Lex

It’s a rather common scenario People live in the house that’s been their home for years the place where they’ve raised their children and made countless memories But then something happens. They lose a spouse, there’s a decline in their health, or upkeep of the home just gets to be too much and it’s time to make a change, downsize, and relocate.

Martha Minion found herself in that position Her husband had passed away and the sizeable home they shared in Tampa, Florida, was way more than she and her dog Peaches needed She sold her house, sold her car and at the encouragement of her daughter who lives in Fountain Hills, Martha and Peaches made the move to Fountain View Village

“It was important to me to find a place that not only would simply ‘allow’ dogs, but would embrace them,” says Martha "And the staff here at Fountain View Village are so kind to both of us. It’s a very loving atmosphere.”

Martha explained that making the move to smaller living quarters has been very good for her relationship with Peaches, a three-year-old, very outgoing “Malti-Poo” (Maltese and French Poodle mix) “Our house in Florida was quite big and I wouldn’t see Peaches for hours I’d be in one area of the house and she’d be chasing her tail in another Now we ’ re almost always together, we spend more time together, she always knows where I am, and it’s made us much closer We've really bonded ”

The move has been deemed a social success for both Martha and Peaches.

“We were rather housebound in Florida and people weren’t around that much. Now we ’ re around people all the time and we both love it.” maybe someone she already knows but she can pretend to forget she knows, so she can start all over with her exuberant greeting

Peaches enjoys daily walks with her mom, and on days when a dog walker comes, she joyously shares the trek with her best (canine) friend, Wally. He lives upstairs.

It's one thing when you ’ re by yourself and need to make those physical and lifestyle changes, but markedly different when you have a dog whose welfare and happiness must be considered as well.

While Martha is busy with her numerous group activities (knitting, cards, painting, etc ), Peaches, one of seven canine who call Fountain View Village home, has established herself quite favorably with many residents; several of which carry doggy treats for dispensing when they see her When Martha puts Peaches’ leash on her and opens the door to the corridor, Peaches looks to the left, then to the right scanning the hallway in hopes there’ll be a person to greet. Maybe someone she’s never met before. Or

There’s a palpable, sentimental air as Martha recounts several of the recent changes in her life. That is until she gets to where she is today. Then her face lights up, she shares a gentle, genuine smile and says “But I have Peaches And together we ’ re here And we ’ re so happy We’re both so very happy Being here is a very good thing ”