Seniors and their pets celebrate All American Pet Photo Day

Residents at senior living community The Glades at ChampionsGate celebrated national holiday All American Pet Photo Day with a special event on the afternoon of July 11. A professional photographer took photos of residents with their pets in front of the lobby’s fireplace.

“The photos were adorable – I loved every one,” said Rosemary Burgoyne, who celebrated the holiday with her dog, Ginger. “I’m 91 years old, and Ginger – who is the smartest, kindest dog – gives me someone to love and a reason to live joyfully.”

Ten residents of The Glades at ChampionsGate own pets, which include dogs, cats and even a turtle. In addition to the recent event celebrating All American Pet Photo Day, the community hosts other activities for residents with pets, such as “Yappy Hours,” with refreshments for residents and homemade treats for the dogs.

The community is also converting a portion of its courtyard into a dog park to host future Yappy Hours and have a designated area for residents to spend time outside with their pets.

“Research shows there are myriad benefits to seniors owning pets, including helping to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase social interaction and physical activity,” said Heather Corton, executive director at The Glades at ChampionsGate. “We recognize how important these relationships between our residents and their furry friends are, and we’re proud to offer pet-friendly policies, activities and amenities to help our residents who love animals to thrive.”

Burgoyne said the pet-friendliness at The Glades at ChampionsGate was one factor that contributed to her decision to move there approximately a year ago, initially with another dog she owned who has since passed. She adopted Ginger, who’s now 10 months old, several months ago.

“I couldn’t ask for a better place than this,” Burgoyne said. “It’s warm and everybody is kind. It’s home.”

About The Glades at ChampionsGate

Located in ChampionsGate, Fla., The Glades at Champions Gate is a 223-apartment senior living community offering independent, assisted living and memory care. Amenities include a fitness center, movie theater, swimming pool, and four unique dining venues, as well as award-winning programming through Watermark University. The Glades at ChampionsGate was named a Top 25 Assisted Living Community in Florida by Innovators of Senior Living (IOSL) in 2023. Managed by Watermark Retirement Communities, The Glades at ChampionsGate is committed to creating an extraordinary and innovative community where people thrive. For more information, visit championsgate.watermarkcommunities.com.

About Watermark Retirement Communities®

Watermark creates extraordinary and innovative communities where people thrive. We believe aging is about renewal rather than retirement. Watermark communities are known for highly trained and caring associates, a lifestyle built on choice, fine amenities, integrative wellness and innovative programs including the award-winning Watermark University featuring a wide variety of engaging classes for residents and area seniors. Watermark has been named in the top 25 Best Workplaces for Aging Services™ in a national program conducted by the Great Place to Work® Institute and published on Fortune.com. Based in Tucson AZ, Watermark is a privately held company with a reputation for over 30 years for service, innovation, integrity and financial stability, and manages more than 65 retirement communities in 21 states coast to coast. Visit watermarkcommunities.com for more information.