It’s your home, your best friend is welcome
At Aura Holdings, we know how important your much loved furry friend is to you and that’s why we welcome them and you to our retirement living villages.
A well-behaved pet, appropriate for apartment living, is sure to also become a treasured member of the community at The Avenue Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast.
The pleasure of sharing your life with a pet is obvious but they also bring other benefits. A pet that demands a walk will help get you moving and your heart pumping, while the power of a wagging tail and their unconditional love can help brighten even a dark day.
Animal lover Shar Bettens lives at The Avenue Maroochydore with Jakey, her adored 10-year-old labrador-shih tzu. “I’ve always had animals around me all my life and I had a few rescue greyhounds before Jakey,’’ says Shar who has spent 12 years volunteering with the RSPCA.
“Animals do a lot for us. Our pets pick up our spirits when we are a bit down, they are great company, give us unconditional love and give us such mental stimulation to enjoy life so much more. Jakey is always here for me.’’
Shar and Jakey have lived at The Avenue since it opened mid-2019. “It’s just wonderful that we can have our pets here with us in the village. Jakey absolutely loves it here too and he loves all the other residents. He always has to stop and say hello to our Village Manager Mandy. She always gives him a big hug.
“Jakey has become the most beautiful apartment dog. We have a few other dogs at the village and they all get along well. Dudley the pug and Jakey are good friends.
“Every day Jakey and I head off on a walk in the morning around 5.30 for 30 minutes and again in the afternoon for about 15 minutes. Jakey gets me walking but I’m an active old girl. We like to take our walks along the river, around the streets or to the park.’’
Iola Ternel shares her apartment with her five-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Dolly, at Kingsford Terrace Corinda, Aura Holdings' retirement community in Brisbane's inner west.
“I can’t imagine my life without Dolly. It would be dreadful to think of life without her. She really gives me so much purpose. She’s a reason to get out of bed in the morning. I am by nature an insular person but Dolly gets me out and talking to people. I stop on our walks and chat to others. That’s not something I’d do normally so she is very good for me,’’ Iola says.
So how does Iola deal with the delicate issue of Dolly’s toileting? “With a dog in an apartment you have to be disciplined and very regimented, but Dolly and I have a nice routine going and she goes to the toilet when we go out. Before coming here I started training her in preparation so I restricted her time outside to get her used to hanging on and this helped a great deal with settling in here. I had a dog door in my previous home so I had to shut it and Dolly just learned to wait. She has an amazing capacity and control.’’
Aura Holdings Director Tim Russell, who shares his life with dachshund Daisy, fully appreciates the joy a dog can bring. “Our villages are our residents’ homes so we believe they should continue living as they desire and that often includes sharing it with a much loved pet,’’ Tim says.
“Many breeds of dogs and cats are well suited to apartment living. Our pet policy is all about ensuring all residents are happy where they live.’’
Some breeds of dogs suitable for apartment living:
Poodles: This non-shedding breed is perfect for anyone with sensitivities or averse to cleaning up dog hair from their sofa! Poodles are smart and easy to train.
Cavalier King Charles (in the photo below): This calm breed make loyal companions. (Just ask Iola above!)
Pugs: A laid-back pug won’t need much exercise.
Miniature schnauzer: Also hypoallergenic, easy to train and gentle.
Yorkshire terrier (in the photo below): This small breed makes a perfect companion but needs some grooming.
Bichon frise: This fluffy and affectionate breed can make a perfect companion. Grooming required.
Shih Tzu (in the photo below): Small, friendly and requiring minimal exercise. They will need regular grooming.
Cats can also make wonderful companions to share your apartment. Here’s some suggestions:
Russian blue (in the photo below): Quiet and devoted to their owners.
Birman: Affectionate, intelligent and playful.
Ragdoll (in the photo below): A beautiful breed that loves human interaction.
Persians: These regal felines are affectionate but need grooming.
Domestic shorthair: Relaxed and easy care.
Other pets:
Cockatiels, small parrots and budgies make entertaining companions.
Fish: A tank of marine pets is affordable and easy to maintain once established. Perhaps not as tactile as other pets, colourful fish can provide entertainment and viewing pleasure.
Contact us for more information about our pet policy on (07) 5479 6482 or email live@theavenuemaroochydore.com.au