Image Up Advertising & Design

56 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | AUGUST 2017 FAQ: Why are dogs such a big deal to some of our residents? We often hear this question from our neighbors who have never "connected" with a pet — not just dogs. Pets are especially important to seniors and the bond with our pets is a precious, limitless treasure. Let's consider just a few of the reasons. COMPANIONSHIP Loneliness is perilous for seniors and can lead to accelerated emotional and physical decline. Pets are always available to their people. HEALTHY ROUTINE Pets mean big responsibility; a dog's needs are especially unrelenting. The routine required to care for a pet helps one get out of bed — with a smile! EXERCISE Canine companions make walking a regular part of the daily plan. The American Heart Association released a study in May, stating, "Owning a pet — particularly a dog — could help lower the risk of heart disease." EMOTIONAL SUPPORT Older people with pets exhibit lower levels of stress and anxiety than pet-less counterparts. The butt- wiggling greetings alone make it hard to be stressed out. Pets of all types are amazing therapists that help us deal with all sorts of emotional challenges, including grief. MAKING NEW FRIENDS Pet owners share in many activities. In Four Seasons alone, pack walks and events like our upcoming Pet Blessing on (Oct. 7 at 4 pm) are a few of the ways that pets help us meet new people. We are even starting to watch pet- centric movies together in the Lodge Theater! A mutual interest in animals transcends differences and is a beautiful way to start a new friendship! Just ask any of our members. PAW-TECTION Having a dog of any size or breed can make us a bit safer. Barking dogs signal potential intruders to stay away. UNSELFISH DEVOTION Pets need us even more than we need them. Their total dependence on us never ends. Knowing you have a loved one depending on you is great daily motivation! EMOTIONAL COMMITMENT TO LIFE We made a promise to our pets and to ourselves to love and care for them. This commitment is a life-affirming choice at any age. The, from: Phillip Moeller in U.S. News and World Report, "10 Reasons Why You Need a Pet." If these points resonate with you, enjoy the company of dogs without having one of your own. Consider joining us on pack walk! Pack walk dogs are eager to meet new friends like you. Walking with these dogs and their well-behaved people is some of the best therapy you'll ever get. We meet Saturdays, 8 am, at the Lodge parking lot by the Spa building and Wednesdays, 7 pm, at the Summit parking lot. If you would like additional information, contact Patrick Gerety at (951) 769-7626, or join our private Facebook group, Four Seasons D.O.G. | Tails and Trails. ~ Patrick Gerety D.O.G. Beautiful Chance is a tri-colored Sheltie and part of the Woodcock pack. When Alex and Bruce Woodcock first began volunteering as photographers at Redlands Animal Shelter in July 2013, they already had two dogs. Then came Chance. He was such a sweet, handsome boy that there was no resisting him. Chance fits right in with his pack mates, Megan the Sheltie and Remy the Papillon. He even has adjusted to life with two cats. Like many rescues, Chance carries "baggage" from his previous life. He is great with humans, but is fearful of dogs outside his pack, especially on walks. If only Chance could tell his people what happened to him in his other life that makes him react like this. A friend once advised the Woodcocks, "perhaps it's best that you don't know what happened to Chance and simply love him as he is." Chance is the most devoted and loving dog that Alex has ever owned. She says, "Chance is my heart dog." Improvement has come with training, but there is more work to do. If you're walking your dog around Four Seasons and you see the Woodcock pack with three gorgeous pups, please don't be offended when they turn and walk the other way or cross the street. They aren't being unsociable, they're just giving Chance the space he needs. ~ Alex Woodcock Did you notice our change from Dog of the Month to Pet of the Month? If you have a pet you'd like to see featured, please contact our amazing photographer, Alex Woodcock (909) 705-9540. Photo by Alex Woodcock, Alexpressions Photography PET OF THE MONTH: CHANCE

• Cover