Finding fur-ever happiness in retirement at Lake Munmorah

I’m originally from the northwest suburbs of Sydney and moved in early 2024 to Lake Munmorah Lifestyle Village in Lake Munmorah NSW, a gated lifestyle community for over 55s within walking distance to the Lake.

I made the transition with my dog, Angel, a Staffy cross who I’ve had for more than six years. She was a lovely rescue at 16 weeks, fitting into my life like she’d been there all along and ensuring I lived my best life.

From the moment we moved into Lake Munmorah Lifestyle Village, we were welcomed by the many canines and their parents.  Our street has four dogs who love to get out and meet regularly to read the pee-mails.

Angel and I walk daily in the morning, usually around the lake, and occasionally to the bush and beach.  Afternoon walks are generally spent in the village, where we meet up with many other pups and their parents as we make the trip to the mailroom.  Angel is particularly fond of visiting the houses of many of the residents.

There’s a definite need for more pet friendly retirement villages across Australia.  More people than ever are enjoying the love of their furry friends and the thought of moving to anywhere where the pet is not permitted is not really an option.

I looked at three local villages: one was not pet friendly at all and the second one was supposedly pet friendly – it had no fencing and when the pet you moved in with passed, you weren’t permitted another.  What sort of rule is that?!

Lake Munmorah Lifestyle Village was pet friendly and my choice was largely based around that.

For most people, pets bring joy, love, laughter and a friend for life.  I honestly believe people live longer with a furry pal in their life.  There are many whose partner has left or deceased, their family are distant, but their little buddy is always by their side.   Loneliness can be a killer for the elderly.