Having an area for dogs to run free, get exercise and play outside is a welcome addition for pet owners at Cedar Lake Village senior living community in Olathe, Kansas.
The space was the idea of Mary Hunter, a dog owner who moved to a villa on campus in late 2022.
“All of my dogs over my lifetime have always lived in a rural setting where they had lots of space and could run. I thought they would be happier to have an area where they could get off leash from time to time,” says Mary.
In March 2023, Mary contacted the Cedar Lake Village senior living director to ask about the possibility of creating a dog park. The idea was shared at the next resident meeting. It received positive feedback and people started donating funds.
“We had to find an area that was a good fit and then they had to get the bids for the fence and get it built. In mid-July 2023 it was opened. So, four months was really reasonable,” Mary says.
Lifelong dog owners
Mary is one of 11 independent living residents who own 13 dogs at Cedar Lake Village. Some residents and their canines live in a villa home while others live in the plaza apartments.
“We’ve had several people moving in with dogs, including others with big dogs just like mine. And I’m really appreciative of the fact that they accept bigger dogs and not just little dogs,” says Mary.
Because Mary moved from an acreage, she felt that a villa would be a good transition for her and her dogs – Will, an 8-year-old collie, and Matt, an 8-year-old Coton de Tulear.
“I’ve had them both since they were teeny tiny babies. I’ve had Collies for 48 years. Will is probably my tenth collie. They’re my heart breed,” Mary says.
John and Jean Atherton have lived in a plaza apartment at Cedar Lake Village since the fall of 2024. They have a 9-year-old basset hound named Lula Belle.
“She’s our second basset hound. They don’t require a lot of exercise. She’s happy to get a walk every day, but we don’t have to worry about a high energy level,” says John.
Fun at the dog park
The Athertons visit the dog park about once a day. Mary also regularly takes her dogs there. The area around the dog park includes a walking path, a bench and raised gardens.
When Mary brought up the idea of the park to Kelsie Tryon, senior living sales specialist at Cedar Lake Village, she was fully on board. Kelsie has worked there for 10 years and feels like the park is a wonderful amenity for residents.
“People’s pets are their family. They add so much joy to the residents’ lives. When I give tours to people who mention they have a dog, I always make sure to point out the dog park. It’s between the garden and the pond, so it’s a scenic area. It’s fun to go out there and walk and sit. It’s an extra bonus when you get to see dogs playing,” says Kelsie.
When the Athertons bring Lula Belle to the dog park, she gets along well with other dogs. Mary’s dogs are older, but they still play together on occasion. Matt especially likes to greet people.
“They love to visit the park. Will loves to roll in the grass. They play with each other and chase each other around. They’re very happy to go down there. If a person comes up and they’re doing anything, they stop and go visit with the people,” says Mary.
Mary and the Athertons are grateful for the park.
“It’s just really neat that it’s here. It’s one of the pluses of the whole place,” says John.
“It makes my life as a dog owner a whole lot easier and it makes me feel good to know that they have a chance to stretch their legs and not always be confined. They don’t always have to be on a leash; they can be dogs,” Mary says.
A pet-friendly place
Both dogs and cats are allowed at Cedar Lake Village. Assisted living residents can own one pet and independent living residents can own two. In other areas of the campus, like memory care assisted living, pet therapists bring animals to visit residents.
“When I first started looking at senior communities, one of my first questions of course was, ‘Do you allow dogs, how many and what size?’” says Mary.
She was happy that Cedar Lake Village is a pet-friendly campus.
“There are dogs in the lobby and people enjoy petting them, so it benefits other residents that may have had dogs in the past but don’t have them now,” says Kelsie.
Mary thinks every senior living community should allow dogs and have off-leash outdoor space for them.
“A lot of us that have dogs now are not as willing to give them up like my parents' generation would have,” Mary says.
“At Cedar Lake Village, it’s reassuring for them to know that they don't have to give their pet up to still enjoy the benefits of senior living,” Kelsie says.
