The Villages and Large Dogs

[lolalonza]

Hello All :wave:,
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...

[The Great Fumar]

We were told before we moved here that all dogs could not be above knee high in THE VILLAGES...This of course brings up the question of who's knee's are we to use as a standard....
This is where MICKEY ROONEY comes into the equation......

Hey , what ever happened to Andy Hardy ?????

fumar

[Halle]

Fumar,

As I stated before I'm using Shaq's knee height as a measure! :eclipsee_gold_cup:

Your friend,
Halle

PS
Run Faster!!!

:pepper2::pepper2:

[villages07]

Lola,

I am not a pet owner but do enjoy and appreciate animals. From all that I have seen in my observations of life in the Villages, this is a very pet-friendly place. Lots of neighborhoods and sidewalks for walking; dogs seem to love riding in the golf carts. The vast majority of the people are pet friendly...just as long as you are a responsible pet owner and clean up after your dog and don't allow continuous barking you'll be fine.

I'm not sure why this subject has generated so much emotion and negativity on TOTV. The response here seems out of proportion to what I have observed in the community.

It sounds like you and hubby are ready for The Villages. I wouldn't let the pet issue (perceived or otherwise) hold you back. Cmon down!!!

ps...just ignore Fumar --- he has a 'thing' for dogs and just likes to get Nonie and Barefoot riled up. arf arf, fumar.

[JeanneBeannie]

Lola,

I am not a pet owner but do enjoy and appreciate animals. From all that I have seen in my observations of life in the Villages, this is a very pet-friendly place. Lots of neighborhoods and sidewalks for walking; dogs seem to love riding in the golf carts. The vast majority of the people are pet friendly...just as long as you are a responsible pet owner and clean up after your dog and don't allow continuous barking you'll be fine.

I'm not sure why this subject has generated so much emotion and negativity on TOTV. The response here seems out of proportion to what I have observed in the community.

It sounds like you and hubby are ready for The Villages. I wouldn't let the pet issue (perceived or otherwise) hold you back. Cmon down!!!

ps...just ignore Fumar --- he has a 'thing' for dogs and just likes to get Nonie and Barefoot riled up. arf arf, fumar.


Great response Villages07!!
:agree::agree::agree::agree::agree:

TV is very pet friendly!!! I have two golden retrievers and the three of us cant wait to move to Paradise!! :pepper2:

[swrinfla]

A small observation from this CAT person, if you'll allow me! :jester:

I've never seen so many "tea cup" dogs as here. I suspect that they're a lot easier to take care of.

BUT, I've seen plenty of big canines, too. One house nearby has a pair of guys, species unknown to me, but they're bigger than Goldens. When they ride in the golf cart to the postal station, I wonder how the owner has any room!

And, a closer neighbor (a snowbird type) has what looks like a St. Bernard. He has his own special platform at the back of the golf cart, so rides around like royalty.

And, people walk all of these dogs everywhere! As always, just play nice and clean up after the pooches!

SWR

:beer3:

[Barefoot]

We picked The Villages for many reasons .. who could not love TV? But it was hugely important to us to find a community that allowed two dogs, any size.

Our first day in TV, we saw many large dogs being walked, driving around in golf carts, and it was evident that most people really enjoy their furry friends (Fumar excepted of course).

I would really recommend a courtyard villa. It simplies life a lot if you have dogs.

[graciegirl]

One of the reasons I like Barefoot so much (I enjoy her kindness in other areas too) is that she loves her dogs.

I love her dogs too. And I love Rhonda's dog and Karen's dog and our next door neighbors two dogs. We don't have a dog... we have cats and I love them.

I have not yet met a dog in The Villages that didn't make me want to smile.

Please come and join us. I really do not think you will have a problem. It goes without saying that you will pick up after them. They are the same as children in that we want other people to like them too like we do.

You will love it here.

[nONIE]

I so agree with all of the above, however there are definitely some people in The Villages that are so hostile towards dogs that they dont even want them anywhere near their grass when you are out walking them. I have heard from others that if your dog urinates in their grass they have a fit!! Supposedly it will attract other dogs to do the same. And dont even think about letting your dog poop near or on their grass even if you do clean it up, because they will most definitely hit the roof!!!

So I see people walking their dogs down the middle of the street just to avoid over the edge property owners that will definitely have your head if your dog even dares to walk on their grass. It has happened to me and others.

So I urge you to come down and live the lifestyle and enjoy, but your best option would be to take your doggies to the dog parks daily, and let them run and play and do their thing without you being a nervous wreck. I admit, most people in The Villages are pet friendly but there are some that could make your life miserable. :swear:

[MelZ]

With 70 people in TV you have to get a percentage of them would don't like animals, that's their problem. As long as you respect other people's property and clean up after your dogs while walking them I think you will love it at TV.

On the 4th of July there was a lady sitting outside Starbucks in Spanish Springs with a Gentle Giant of a dog.

I had to go over and talk with her about it, I had never seen a dog that big. It was a English Bull Mastiff, weighting a slim 250lbs. No one complained and many people came over to pet it and take pictures with it.

We have a 60lb German Short haired Pointer who loves our CYV.

Come and join us, the more the merrier

[beady]

I have to agree with Nonie, Gracie, Bare and 07...this is a dog friendly community.

...in my neighborhood, for instance, there is a dog in 4 out of the six houses I can see from my house. Three others up the street. They all are walked daily and picked up after. We have a Border Collie 2 houses over who loves to herd the other neighborhood pooches when they are out together. We put our buddy Bosun down in April and all the neighbors were very supportive. Now, they are all awaiting the arrival of our new pooch in late September.

You will love The Villages and so will your dogs.....come and join us.:eclipsee_gold_cup:

[graciegirl]

Beady!

I am so excited about your new arrival. I am knitting four little booties. Pink or blue ribbons?

[Barefoot]

So I urge you to come down and live the lifestyle and enjoy, but your best option would be to take your doggies to the dog parks daily, and let them run and play and do their thing without you being a nervous wreck. I admit, most people in The Villages are pet friendly but there are some that could make your life miserable. :swear:

This is one reason that I really recommend a Courtyard Villa. Then you don't have to be nervous or walk your dog in the street. We've grown to love our CRV, for the privacy as well as the fact it is pet friendly.

I do take my dogs daily to the dog park. But having a courtyard villa makes life really easy. Dogs can do their business in their own fenced yard anytime at all, rain or shine, and it is easy peasy to clean up after them.

[chelsea24]

Lola, please don't think twice about living in The Villages with dogs. The percentage of people that complain about dogs will be the same, small, snarly percent as in other towns. And they are the same people that whine about saving seats in the squares, or whine about the newspaper, or just whine to whine. LOL

I love dogs. I have cats now and will (as soon as circumstances allow) have a puppy. You'll see many happy dogs and dog owners at the post boxes when you go to pick up your mail, or sitting outside with their owners at the restaurants, or at the dog parks, which are absolutely wonderful. And yes, the courtyard villa would certainly be the way to go.

Please believe me when I tell you, you'll love it here and so will your doggies! :)

[Talk Host]

With 70 people in TV you have to get a percentage of them would don't like animals, that's their problem.


Please don't demonize people who are not fond of dogs.

[lolalonza]

Thank you all so much for the great input. I think I feel much better about the possibility of moving to The Villages with the big boys (husband and two dogs), especially knowing that more dog parks will be opening in TV. I am a responsible owner and always carry my green biodegradable baggies just in case there is an accident.

Beady, I'm so sorry about your beloved fur friend that you had to put down, been there several times, but I am also very happy for your new arrival.
I also know all about the border collie herding, that was my previous dog's breed (put down a few yrs back), and one of my current dogs is an Australian Shepherd, but he herds shadows of butterflys and leaves - kind of a wacky guy.

Again thank you and I'm sure I'll have more questions later.

[TrudyM]

I love dogs but!!!! As I write this I am a captive in my house. I am waiting for animal control. A very large black pit bull with no collar is sitting outside my door gowling at me through the glass. I am scared my husband will come home from golf before animal control gets here and he isn't answering his cell.
:eek:
Please tell me there is a no Pit Bull ordinance there. We tried to pass one here and failed. Some towns do have one.

[katezbox]

Hi Trudy,

I hope animal control came to your rescue. I'm not sure what a pit bull ordinance is - is it a law about aggressive dogs?

Lola, in any community there will always be those who don't like animals - some due to fear. Many others may not have an issue with the animals themselves - but rightfully so have an issue with owners who allow their pets to roam, pee and poop on others' property, or bark constantly.

I think the majority of us here have smaller dogs. Partly -as we get older - it is easier for us. Partly because our homes/yards are smaller. I think Bare gives good advice on a CYV. Walking dogs here can be fun because there are so many of us out there - but I do miss the country (shaded!) roads in the north east. Finley loves Doggie Doo Run Run - and gets lots of exercise there.

I hope this helps a little - good luck with your decision.

Kate

[swrinfla]

Sorry, but I cannot resist reminiscing just a little!

Some 40+ years ago, when I was a Trustee of my neighborhood, on a private (that is, "gated") street in St. Louis, the principal topic of each Trustee's meeting (quarterly) and Resident's meeting (annual, first Monday of December) was controlling the dogs and their business. This was before "leash laws," but there were acrimonious exchanges every quarter/year.

Just before I came down to TV in 2005, I served once more as a Trustee of the very same private street. Surprise, surprise: the major topic of each meeting was controlling the dogs and their business!

Some things never change!

SWR

:beer3: :bowdown: :pepper2:

[TrudyM]

I love dogs but!!!! As I write this I am a captive in my house. I am waiting for animal control. A very large black pit bull with no collar is sitting outside my door gowling at me through the glass. I am scared my husband will come home from golf before animal control gets here and he isn't answering his cell.
:eek:
Please tell me there is a no Pit Bull ordinance there. We tried to pass one here and failed. Some towns do have one.


Before animal control got to the house a cat caught his attention and he took off. They say they have been trying to track him down for two weeks he disapears into the woodland park that makes up a huge part of the town.

The Pit Bull ordinace is one that states that pit bulls are a dangerious breed and constitute a public threat in a subhrban setting and therefore not legal.

Sounds like you guys all have nice dogs. And the nicest dog I ever met was a Newfoundland and huge, and the meanest (before today) was a chiwawa (sp) that bit anyone it got near. :shrug:

[MelZ]

Please don't demonize people who are not fond of dogs.

Mr. Host

I was stating a fact that not everyone likes animals, Where do you see demonizing?