MONTY likes his breakfast of peanut butter on toast served in bed. Then he likes to visit his friends and have a sleep before lunch in the dining room.
The afternoon continues in much the same vein, with more cuddles, visits and naps, and maybe a walk in the garden, before settling down for the night after dinner.
Monty is a six-year-old brindle greyhound and is relishing his new life at Uniting AgeWell’s Strathglen residential aged care facility at Rosetta.
Monty – short for Montgomery – spends his days with the 45 other residents at Strathglen.
Like many other retired racing greyhounds, Monty likes to sleep a lot.
“He is the biggest bed surfer you could come across. He even eats in bed,” said care manager Tracy Harvison with a laugh. “He’s so funny; he’s gorgeous.”
While Monty interacts with all residents, he especially ensures those who need his attention receive it.
“He tends to have his few favourites. He knows when people need him more,” Tracy said. “When people are unwell he spends time with them. When a man’s dog died, Monty stayed with him for four days. He’s very intuitive.”
Animals are part of the care provided at Strathglen.
“Animals are an important part of our lives,” Tracy said.
“So many say it was hard to leave their pet, give them away or have them put down to come here.”
Monty is joined at Strathglen by Charlie the cockatiel and a brood of chooks.
Tracy would like to allow all residents to bring pets with them and is working on how that could happen with the Paws, Claws and Beaks committee.
Monty came to Strathglen via Brightside Farm Sanctuary.
