A best friend and a well loved companion that can turn a simple game of fetch into a grand adventure. At Burghley Retirement Living, we have always had a soft spot for your furry friends and on the 20th August, we will be celebrating “National Dog Day” (and yes, you guessed it, you can even head to your local high street to buy your Dog a card to mark the occasion). At Burghley Retirement Living, we are big fans of your 4 legged chums and our pet friendly retirement living apartments are perfect for dog and cat owners alike. We have taken some time to speak to Pam Ward, one of our homeowners at the newly opened Albany Lodge in Derby to find out about her life with her pet dog, Ollie.
Ollie is a beloved 6 year old Shih Tzu who used to live with Pam in their family home until she took the plunge to move to a luxury retirement living apartment at Albany Lodge. Pam decided to move to Albany Lodge after the sad loss of her husband two years ago, realising that the road she lived on was a lonely place that lacked community spirit. Even with walking Ollie daily, she hardly saw anyone else on her road and she knew that something needed to change. She confidently took the decision to boost her social life by making a few changes to her lifestyle. Taking the plunge, she started working in a charity shop as a volunteer for a local hospice, Treetops, for a few days a week and with her heart set on living in a retirement community, she moved to Albany Lodge where she has made firm friends with like-minded retirees.
Ollie of course was Pam’s biggest worry, he had always had a large garden to play in, but even without a dedicated outside space he has settled in really well to his new apartment. This is in part due to his constant view of the outside world in the form of the shared communal landscaped gardens, and of course his popularity amongst the other residents. During our chat with Pam, she quipped: “Everyone loves him!”.
When it comes to taking Ollie for a walk, there are lots of paths and pavements around Albany Lodge, but Ollie loves grass! This is something Albany Lodge provides in spades, as just beyond the cycle track there is a big field for Ollie to run around, plus if you are considering bringing your pet to Albany Lodge, Pam recommends two local parks.
1. Markeaton Park
A 5 minute drive from Albany Lodge is Markeaton Park where Ollie and Pam visit most days. It is Derby’s most visited park and claims to be one of the most popular attractions in the East Midlands! The park offers a lot of space for Ollie to run around and a place for Pam to escape from day to day living and city life and experience a little bit of countryside.
2. Darley Abbey Nature Reserve
Just 10 minutes in the car is a treat “walkies” for Ollie. Darley Abbey boasts a nature reserve, and Darley Park. The nature reserve offers a circular walk by the river whereas the park runs along the banks of the River Derwent and is the largest open space in Derby, perfect for letting Ollie off the lead.
When they do get back home after stretching their legs, Ollie heads to his basket for a rest whilst Pam frequents the Communal lounge at Albany Lodge. Pam has used the big lounge space to host her own prosecco get together with her friends from the charity shop and she often meets up with the other homeowners to have a morning coffee in the lounge before work or before a big walk with Ollie!
If you’re looking for a friendly retirement living community that welcomes pets, look no further than Burghley Retirement Living, with over 55’s apartments available in Derby, Thornton-Cleveleys and Brighouse. Find out more or book a viewing by calling: 0800 999 1989
