Labrador retires with Victory Centre of Vernon Hills seniors

Teddy, an 11-year-old Labrador mix, moved to Victory Centre of Vernon Hills, a supportive living community for seniors, in August, and is adjusting well.

Victory Centre residents and staff adopted Teddy from Fortunate Pooches and Lab Rescue as part of their See Spot Retire canine companion program.

Pathway Senior Living, the owner and operator of Victory Centre of Vernon Hills and other senior living communities, encourages dog adoptions because pets create a homelike environment and bring many health benefits to their people.

Dozens of older dogs throughout Chicago and the suburbs have "retired" in comfort thanks to Pathway's See Spot Retire program, which offers older dogs like Teddy new chances at life with seniors who get to share the benefits of pet ownership.

When adopting shelter dogs, many people often overlook the older pooches in favor of puppies. Not so for the seniors at Victory Centre of Vernon Hills, who find that Teddy, the older, more mature dog, is a perfect match for their retirement lifestyle. Teddy was the first dog they met, and they picked him on the spot.

"We all knew he was the perfect dog for our community right away," said Mirka Biegunska, Community Life manager. "He loves the residents, and they love him!"

Although they thought Teddy was about 7 years old, a veterinarian told them he's closer to 11. Now residents give Teddy a naptime break each afternoon, so he can keep up with them.

Victory Centre of Vernon Hills, 97 W. Phillip Road, Vernon Hills, offers independent and supportive living apartments, which feature call systems, three meals a day, support services as needed, activities and outings, and other social opportunities at an affordable monthly rate.

For information, call (847) 549-6070 or visit www.pathwaysl.com.

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