Love Blooms for Daisy the Dog at Victory Centre
Once abandoned in Oklahoma, Daisy, a Labrador mix, is now settling in to her forever home at Victory Centre of Bartlett. In this win-win doggy adoption, a "family" of more than 100 senior residents give Daisy as much attention and love as any four-legged friend could want and, in return, Daisy gives the residents the benefits of pet ownership without all of the responsibilities.
"We are very fortunate to have such a friendly and lovable dog. She brings a ray of sunshine into our daily lives," says Victory Centre of Bartlett resident, Corinne Dopp, age 88. Daisy reminds Dopp of her beloved former pet dogs, Holly and Ivy.
Daisy isn't the first dog to "retire" at Victory Centre and, because of the overwhelming success of the "See Spot Retire" program, she won't be the last. The program connects shelter dogs with senior citizens, giving the dogs a second chance at life while enriching the lives of older adults in life's second act.
The dogs are all hand-picked for their good disposition - just like Daisy - to ensure that the experience is positive for the senior residents and the dogs, said Victory Centre of Bartlett Community Life Manager, Rose Simone.
The pets enjoy "a dog's life" with their senior owners, while the residents enjoy the many benefits of pet ownership including: reduced blood pressure; increased relaxation; stress relief; ease of pain; increased activity; better overall morale; help coping with illness, loss and depression; decreased isolation; increased communication; opportunities for touch and contact; and better physical and mental health.
Melissa Trejo, Victory Centre's Life Enrichment Manager, has seen the effects first hand. She said that having an in-house companion animal fills residents with nostalgia and gives them a sense of purpose. "I see a lot of residents who don't normally come out. Now we have the dog and they're down here all the time wanting to pet and play with her."
Resident Judy Gray, age 70, said, "It's wonderful having Daisy here. She's great companionship, and she is forever wagging her tail." Before moving to Victory Centre of Bartlett eight months ago, Gray lived with her daughter who had two big dogs that she loves and misses very much. Gray said Daisy helped ease her transition by making the community feel much more like home.
Anderson Animal Shelter, South Elgin, was Daisy's last stop before coming to Victory Centre of Bartlett. To show their appreciation for finding Daisy and to support the shelter, the residents collected 250 pairs of shoes for Anderson's s recent "Shoes to the Rescue" fundraiser.
"We're so privileged to have the Victory Centre extend their compassion to a shelter animal in need. Daisy is serving an important role by providing love, enrichment, and enjoyment to the residents. The staff and residents have gone above and beyond to provide her with a loving home!" said Steve Frost, the Animal Enrichment and Behavior Manager for Anderson Animal Shelter, who is assisting Victory Centre with Daisy's training.
Victory Centre of Bartlett assisted living and senior apartment community, conveniently located at 1101 W. Bartlett Road on the corner of Route 59 and Bartlett Road, provides quality residential accommodations, amenities and support services at affordable prices for area seniors.