Pets of Arete Living: August 2023

Hi, I'm Laika!

Pet parent: Kristina Hampton, Business Office Manager, Avamere at Sherwood

I adopted 18-month-old Laika in May 2016 from a shelter in Vancouver. She is part Australian cattle dog and who knows what else.

"Princess" captured my heart from her photo posted on Petfinder. I had been searching for a bigger dog to add to our family, and I just couldn't get her out of my mind. I waited two WHOLE weeks before I finally had to go meet her. The staff set us up in a room and brought her in. It was definitely love at first lick! She immediately ran up and gave me kisses and then bestowed the same on the rest of my family. There was no way I was leaving that day without her.

My family and I are all geeks, so she was named after Laika, the Soviet dog who went into space on Sputnik 2 in 1957. The name means barker, and is apt for my girl. She has been the best dog since the day I brought her home. Laika has seen me through some really tough times in my life and been by my side through a lot of ups and downs over the past seven years.

You may see her in my office in Sherwood if you come visit. She is such a good girl and will just lay in my doorway to greet staff, residents, and families who come by.

Hello, I'm Flynn!

Pet parent: Jenny Gooldy, Life Enrichment Director

Our resident favorite's visitor Flynn decided to take a break after visiting Avamere at Seaside’s memory care neighborhood. When he is not playing fetch, supervising Bingo, and his personal favorite activity of going door to door for pats and hugs, Flynn loves to go to the beach and check out all the adventures to be had.

Flynn is a 10-year-old Irish Setter and has travelled with his owner to visit many assisted living and memory care communities over the years. He loves belly rubs and getting a "puppicino" as a treat for a good day's work.

Hey, we're Sparkles and Precious!

Sparkles, a dachshund, is our newest pet resident at Suzanne Elise that loves our Director of Sales and Outreach Beth VanElswyk and enjoys bringing smiles to residents.

Precious in puzzletown has been a long-standing member of our welcome committee!

We also have local deer that love to visit us.

My name is Maggie!

Pet parent: Trina Fox, Executive Director, The Arbor at Avamere Court

Trina loves to bring in her dog Maggie to spend time with residents at The Arbor at Avamere Court in Keizer, Oregon. They all love it when Maggie is here! Maggie is also a very good sales dog with our Director of Sales and Outreach Elisabeth Gifford – she seals the deal!

Feature your pet in the next Pets of Arete Living! Tell us about your furry friend (and include photos) here.