May is National Pet Month, a time to honor all the four-legged chums who are just as much a part of our families as the two-legged variety. It’s also time to celebrate how pet ownership can improve our overall health and well-being, particularly as we age, through companionship, play, and unconditional love.

Blue Skies of Texas in San Antonio is proud to be a pet-friendly senior living community that welcomes the joy (and occasional silliness) pets bring to our lives. From winding courtyards and walking paths to our newly renovated Pooch Park, we’ve become known as a fine place for our furry friends to hang their collars. And our senior pet owners enjoy plenty of perks as well.

EVERYONE BENEFITS WHEN FLUFFY AND FIDO JOIN OUR BLUE SKIES FAMILY

Danielle Weintraub, director of resident services for our East Campus, estimates that Blue Skies is home to about 70 dogs and several dozen cats (who declined to be interviewed for this story). Even General Darrell Jones, our president and CEO, can be spotted walking his pups around our sprawling, well-manicured grounds.

Being greeted by a pet fosters a sense of family and friendship that makes every day more vibrant. “Our residents are devoted to their pets,” Danielle says. “The companionship that animals provide is so meaningful, and they brighten up our community as well. After all, it’s hard to be in a bad mood when you see folks strolling around with their dog or cat.”

Pets also promote social wellness for seniors, helping them feel more connected while reducing feelings of loneliness. And for folks new to Blue Skies, there’s no better conversation starter than a four-legged friend. “Someone who’s just moved in might not know too many people,” Danielle explains, “but a cute dog or cat can get folks talking with one another, and that’s how friendships begin.”

MEET SOME OF OUR COMMUNITY’S FAVORITE PET PALS

While all pets are loved in our San Antonio retirement community, there are some that have earned a special place in the hearts of our residents and staff. Heather Ransom, our chief operations officer, couldn’t wait to tell us about one prized pooch: the ironically named “Miss Kitty.”

“Yes, Miss Kitty is actually a dog,” Heather laughs. “She’s an energetic little Yorkie who’s always dressed in the most adorable outfits. Sometimes we see her with her mom, but in the evenings, other residents line up to take her for a walk. She’s like the belle of the ball … super happy and friendly.”

And then there’s Cole, who belongs to Liberty House Manager Marcia Lloyd. “One of the perks of pet ownership for seniors in assisted living is that pets reduce social isolation and stress, and Cole is the perfect dog for the job,” Danielle beams. “He’s so calm and well behaved—and is always up for a good cuddle. The residents adore him.”

Several other Blue Skies staff members make every day a “take your pet to work” day. “Dogs are especially popular with human resources,” Danielle explains. “One staff member had a dog named Bob, who everyone loved to spoil with treats and affection. It really brought our community closer together.”

OUR NEWLY RENOVATED POOCH PARK IS ANOTHER PERK FOR PET OWNERS

One of the most popular meeting spots in our pet-friendly senior living community is the Blue Skies Pooch Park. Most days, you’ll see plenty of folks gathered there to enjoy some animal antics, lively conversation, and maybe a glass of wine. Even residents who don’t own pets stop by to connect with neighbors and see what their friends’ dogs and cats are up to.

Recently, our beloved dog park received a well-deserved facelift, thanks to two of Blue Skies’ talented contractors. “American Homes Roofing was doing some work on West Campus, and they came to us and said they also had a few ideas for enhancing our dog park,”  Heather explains. “So, they teamed up with another Blue Skies contractor, Enhanced Landscaping Solutions, to transform our Pooch Park into a pet paradise.” To top it off, all materials and labor were donated by the contractors. “It’s heartwarming to have contractors who love our residents as much as we do,” Heather adds.

So, what are some of the “bells and whistles” of the revitalized Pooch Park? “We now have three new agility sets that the dogs just love to run through and play in,” Heather says. “There are also beautifully landscaped paths, fresh grass, and plenty of space for running and fetching.”

“It’s been a huge hit among residents and their fur-babies alike. Now more folks visit the park than ever before!”

COME EXPLORE OUR PET-FRIENDLY SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY

At Blue Skies of Texas in San Antonio, we want our residents to feel completely at home, and understand that a loving puppy or kittycat can make all the difference. Our pet-friendly senior apartment homes, cottages, and garden homes—not to mention our welcoming outdoor spaces—are the perfect setting for pets to live, play, and enrich the lives of everyone they meet.

To schedule your tour, call (866) 553-5389.