Retirement is often a time for new friendships. For Phil and Peter, it was dogs that made them friends.
Living at Star of the Sea Retirement Village, Torquay, these two gentlemen and their much-loved pets have formed a close bond.
One day Phil knocked on Peter’s door with a failed Guide Dog, Atticus and asked if he’d be interested in taking him on. He himself had taken on Persia, who also failed due to having epilepsy.
Peter couldn’t say no, especially to a Labrador who failed due to being ‘too placid’.
“Phil walked past my place every day so one day I said ‘hello mate’, and that’s how we met. If you’re on your own someone here is always up for a chat. Especially when the bar is open 24/7.
“Now, we are dog lovers who also love a beer… that’s us!”
Now, Phil and Peter walk their dogs together every day, and chat about how much they love the place and brainstorm new activities and initiatives for the village.
Phil, who is also the Resident Group’s Chairman, has many plans for the village, including adding more pet-friendly options for residents, including a closed off dog park.
“There’s a lot of dog owners and some people don’t have full mobility to give them a good run. It would be great for exercise, and allow people to come and play in an enclosed environment with the dogs especially if they don’t have one.
“I want to show that we do have an active lifestyle here at Star of the Sea, and I believe dog walking is one way of doing this.”
Both Peter and Phil love the atmosphere at Star of the Sea, and chat about all the benefits they’ve found since living there.
“It’s a great environment here,” says Phil, “you’re only five minutes to the beach or the shops. It’s a very open area, lots of free air, there is so much to love and like about this place.”
Pete agrees. “It’s a wonderful environment. It’s safe, welcoming and there’s lots of social activities and outings. Including some pub crawls!
“Wherever you go there’s always a handful of people, someone to say hello to.”
