Time for a Walk?

Grab the leash and let’s go outside! Dog owners know that their furry friends will fill their hearts with love but did you know that they also provide countless health benefits too?

The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) tell us that owning a dog can have positive effects on your health. “The findings show that pet owners exhibit decreased blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels — all of which can ultimately minimize their risk for having a heart attack down the road. For those who have already experienced a heart attack, research also indicates that patients with a dog or a cat tend to have better recovery rates. These benefits are thought to be connected with pets’ tendency to help reduce or at least control their owners’ overall stress levels.”

Having a furry friend also increases the opportunity for exercise and outdoor activity while also giving you a wonderful opportunity for socialization. Countless studies show dogs are great for those with rheumatoid arthritis too. Keeping your muscles moving is the best thing you can do to stay limber and keep your aches and pains away. Springmoor has numerous paved paths that crisscross the campus making a with walk your dog a great opportunity to enjoy the sunshine and our beautiful landscaped grounds. It’s an easy walk to Unleashed, the pet store in the Stonehenge Shopping Center too!

And while you are out and about improving your health, you are certain to see many of our furry friends that have joined the Springmoor family. Cinderella, Rupert, Susie and Tara will always greet you with a wagging tale and their twinkling eyes. Last week, the crowds gathered for our very own Westminster-like Dog Show & Tail. Everyone was invited to bring his or her pup to celebrate National Dog Day (Friday, August 26). There was ice cream for the residents and a package of dog bones for each little four-legged friend. The stories of mischief and love were shared among the residents as each owner introduced their pet.
Cinderella, a Long-Haired Dachshund, was greeted with a wonderful round of applause when Billie Hurmence shared her story. Cinderella is her seventh dachshund – she has had one by her side for the past 65 years! When she found this cute little puppy she looked into her eyes and told her she was her Fairy Godmother and was going to take her to live happily ever after at their castle called Springmoor! She and Cinderella can often be seen on the path between the Villas and the North Village – off to find the glass slipper!

Cheyenne, is one of the newest to our join our family. Sue Coupe says she is often referred to as “the lady with the yellow dog”. In a ground floor, South Village corner apartment, everyone passing by can say hello to these two as they enjoy the sunshine outside on their patio. When Sue and her daughter went to choose a dog, Cheyenne was the first to be introduced. As the door was opened, this beautiful yellow lab trotted over to Sue and put both paws on her right arm. As they looked each other straight in the eye, those eyes said “please take me home.” There was an instant connection, as they both knew it was a perfect match! And they have been together now for 13 years.

The Springmoor campus is filled with walking paths and nestled in a quiet neighborhood that provides lots of sidewalks for even longer walks. So grab your leash and let’s take a walk!