Residents are Happy to Bring their Faithful Companions with Them to Seabrook

When making a move to senior living, people often worry about whether they can bring their pets along. At Seabrook, an Erickson Senior Living community in Tinton Falls, N.J., Rover and Kitty are more than welcome to join in their new adventure.

"The first question I asked was if pets were allowed," recalls Linda Gural, a retired nurse who moved to Seabrook from Toms River, N.J., in 2021. "Finding a pet-friendly community was a priority for me. I knew I would always have a dog."

It was equally important to Jo Grazide, who moved to Seabrook from Middletown Township, N.J., in 2019. The ability to share her life with her dog Missy, a mixed breed, and her tabby cat CocoBean, was one of her key considerations when exploring her options. "I wanted to find a place where I wouldn't have to face repairs and maintenance. Seabrook has so many advantages, and of course, when I got the courage to ask about my pets, the sales team enthusiastically encouraged me to bring them along."

A place to call home

On her first visit to Seabrook, Linda says she felt immediately at ease. "People were walking along with their pets, and I just knew it was the right place for both of us," she says. "Although I had a different dog at the time, Daisy, my three-year-old rescue mix, loves it so much here." 

Linda enjoys walking Daisy, both outside around the beautifully landscaped 98-acre community grounds, and indoors on errands to the pharmacy or to pick up her mail. She's always thrilled by the reception she gets from other residents, who happily greet her with a smile and offer Daisy a welcoming compliment.

"Your animal, whether it's a dog, a cat, or a bird, is your friend," Linda explains. "You talk to them all day long and take them with you to most areas of the community. It's great exercise for both of us. And, just like I have connected with my neighbors, Daisy's made connections with other dogs. The people and pets we meet just love to see her. She brightens their day." 

Pet lovers unite!

Shortly after moving to Seabrook, Linda went to work revitalizing the Seabrook Pet Club and now serves as the club's chair. Now 30 members strong, the club meets bimonthly to discuss pet life at Seabrook. Members share contact information for vets, dog walkers, pet sitters, and groomers. Together, they coordinate an annual collection drive for the local SPCA, and promote pet-friendly events.

One of the most popular events is the annual Pet Parade and Blessing, held each fall in conjunction with St. Francis Day, which honors the patron saint of the environment, animals, and birds. Residents, family members, and Seabrook team members are invited to bring their pets to the parade. And, each pet can receive a blessing from Seabrook's pastoral counselor.

Social and emotional support

According to recent studies, pet ownership and human-pet interaction are associated with maintained physical function. Pets provide important both social and emotional support as well as elevated feelings of happiness for older adults. That's why, at Seabrook, they are not only welcome, pets are an important part of the fabric of the community.

"Owning a pet promotes leisure time, physical activity, and general healthy living," says Seabrook Director of Resident Life Mary Kaba. "Furry family members encourage their owners to stay active, provide opportunities to meet new people, and offer companionship and unconditional love." 

'A dog's world'

Jo's dog Missy is a popular presence on campus, being invited to join Jo on visits to friends' apartment homes and even to the ukulele group. "I also feel comfortable walking her at night, thanks to Seabrook's 24/7 security patrol," Jo says. 

Missy and Jo have even more opportunities to enjoy time together since Seabrook opened its new dog park. The park is dedicated to Bubba Bond, a poodle who served as the park's unofficial "grandfather." His owner, former pet club chair Patricia "Pat" Bond, worked with Seabrook team members to expand the park.

The 70-square-foot dog park provides a venue for Seabrook's canines to frolic and play, and includes a platform, ramp, and tunnel. Upwards of 15 dogs play in the park each day while their owners relax on shaded bench seating.

"Missy loves to run free with her dog friends," says Jo. "Spending time at the dog park also gives me a chance to catch up with my friends while she's playing. It really is a dog's world here."

To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.