With an estimated 15 cats and 20 dogs living on campus, Ohio Living Swan Creek sets a new standard for what it means to be a pet-friendly community.
Donna, an independent living resident in her 90s, adopted Lucy in 2022 from Paws and Whiskers Cat Rescue when she was just 10 months old. “She chose me. I didn’t choose her,” she said. “The cat is such a pleasure to me. I don’t know who takes care of who.”
Lucy can often be seen riding through the community in a buggy, greeting neighbors along the way. “She loves to be in the hallway,” Donna said. “She’s well known here.”
For Donna, Lucy has brought comfort through life’s most difficult moments. “I lost both of my children, and someone suggested I get a cat. It was a blessing for me,” she said. “She sits on my lap and follows me around. I think she watches over me.”
She added, “Older people need a pet. I never realized that until I got older. When I come home, she’s there waiting for me. That companionship means everything.”
Bev and Lou, who moved to the community in 2012, were initially drawn by the beautiful grounds and opportunity to customize their villa. Pet-friendly living was also an important factor, as they arrived with two dogs. After both pets passed away, they felt the absence deeply.
“Being dogless felt kind of sad,” Lou shared. That changed when they adopted Sherlock, a Goldendoodle rescue. After spotting him online just 20 minutes away, Lou and Bev went to meet him…and brought him home the same day!
“Sherlock is a good friend and a wonderful companion,” Bev said. “He’s always here and always happy. Whether walking along the nature trail or watching deer and wild turkeys from our villa windows, Sherlock helps us stay engaged with nature and our neighbors.”
Stories like Donna’s and Bev and Lou’s reflect what many residents experience. Pets help ease loneliness, create daily structure and encourage connection with others in the community. A walk down the hallway or a shared moment with a four-legged friend often turns into conversation and friendship.
Supporting this way of life is Concierge at Home, a service designed to help residents and families with a wide range of needs. Whether it is delivering hard-to-find items or ensuring a beloved pet is cared for, Concierge at Home helps make life more seamless and supported.
At Ohio Living Swan Creek, pets are more than companions; they are part of the community fabric. For more information about Concierge at Home services, visit ohioliving.com/concierge or call 380.210.3725.