Here at Ardenwoods, we love our four-legged residents just as much as we love our human ones. This August, for National Dog Month, we’d like to introduce you to a few of our friendliest (and fluffiest) friends, Ardenwoods’ resident dogs. But first, some facts:

Dogs make perfect companions, especially for seniors. Not only is it nice to have a friend around who loves you unconditionally, but it’s also beneficial for your health, as dogs provide much-needed exercise, stability and comfort.

A study in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health shows that, on average, dog owners walk approximately one hour more per day than those who do not have dogs. It’s even been discovered that senior dog owners have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels than their dogless counterparts.

If the physical benefits of dog ownership are not reason enough, then consider the added, often life-changing benefits to one’s mental health. Taking care of someone else, especially on a routine, can improve a person’s mental health drastically, and dogs are the perfect recipients of this type of care — always tail-waggingly excited for attention from their best human friend. Dogs are also excellent at reading emotions and can comfort you when you’re anxious or upset, providing a friend exactly when you need one.

And bringing these wonderful benefits and more to our Ardenwoods residents are the following phenomenal pups:

Sasha is a 13-year-old Shih Tzu who loves living at Ardenwoods, because it means she gets more attention and pets from her parents — and she also gets to walk through the woods every day. While she’s not the friendliest dog around strangers, she’s certainly one of the cutest. Her dad, Jimmy, takes Sasha on long walks around the community, and he gets in some great exercise from taking her out every day. She provides great and loving company to her mom, Melanie, who praised Sasha for her excellent ability to communicate — like picking her paws up when asking to get up on the couch, which also makes the boost a bit easier on her parents. Sasha, Melanie said, “is as precious as my grandchildren.”

Next meet Mica, a Maltese who just celebrated her 10th birthday. Mica loves exploring outside and meeting new friends, and Ardenwoods is the perfect place for both. One of her favorite things to do is to sit outside her building with neighbors. Mica’s human, Linda, said that she could not live without her. Always a consistent alarm clock, Mica is someone to talk to and a friend, making Linda laugh all the time. “She’s the most important part of my life,” Linda explained. While Mica is our newest four-legged resident, she has adapted well to community life — and already knows her way around her building.

Finally, there’s Rudy, a 10-year-old cocker spaniel. He loves meeting new people and getting belly rubs, and Ardenwoods is a great place for both of those things. Even as a senior himself, he keeps his human, Chet, on his toes. Chet finds that, most of the time, Rudy takes him for a walk rather than the other way around. (Talk about good exercise!) Rudy has a feisty personality and will often put himself to bed if Chet stays up too late, and he’s no stranger to time out. But, rambunctious as he is, Rudy adores Chet and prefers to be always near him – even at the dog park with other dogs around. Chet said he is grateful to have a friend like Rudy around.

The next time you’re out and about and spot Mica, Sasha or Rudy on a walk with their humans, remember to wave and say hello to these fantastically furry neighbors to whom you’re now acquainted. And for the rest of Ardenwoods’ resident pups: Happy National Dog Month!