Hello All
,
My first time posting, although I have been reading posts on TOTV for the past few months, particularly this one. We live in Florida already with our beloved two large friendly dogs (55 and 65 lbs) but are considering moving to The Villages. We have already been on the lifestyle tour and looked at some of the homes. We have decided that if we do move here that the Courtyard Villas would be our best choice due to the fencing. I'm very happy to hear there are dog parks in and around The Villages, but I suppose I have concern over some of the posts I have read on some of the forums with the animosity towards dogs. Of course you can get this from any community and any forum (people stirring the pot to get a rise). The community we live in now has walking trails, dog parks, lots of great pet sitters, vets holistic and traditional (I do holistic care of my dogs) and dogs are allowed at outdoor seating at the restaurants etc. I know the question would be why don't we stay here. The answer : we'd like to downsize our home and move where we can meet people who have the same interests as us and have it be our forever community - our current community most people we meet have children and are involved in their lives more than their own). Anyways just like most of you on this Pet forum our dogs are our source of happiness and contentment. We don't have children (I do love them - hopefully I didn't come across like I didn't) and although dogs are not children they sure fill the gap, so I want to make sure that the next place we put our roots down will be a place where our dogs are welcome. One of my concerns is places to walk my dogs. Although I love the idea of dog parks, I don't necessarily need to go to one everyday (although if really convenient maybe we will). My dogs and I (sometimes the hubby) love to go on long walks early am and later evening. Can someone suggest (in Lake Sumter area) those communities that might have better access to areas that are acceptable for walking the pooches. I look forward to hearing your opinions on the general acceptance of dogs (particularly larger ones) in The Villages. My husband is wanting to move to the Villages right away, whereas I'm on the fence because of the dogs. I guess I just would like to get a little reassurance from other pet lovers.
I apologize for the long post...