Four-Legged Residents Prove the Best Wellness Programs Come with Fur
At The Covington in Aliso Viejo, we don’t just welcome you, we roll out the red carpet for your pets.
For Toni Decker — resident, Welcome Committee powerhouse, and unofficial pet paparazzo — a map and a smile aren’t enough. Every new dog or cat gets:
- A custom welcome treat bag (personalized card, species-appropriate snacks, zero judgment for the catnip stash)
- A framed portrait outside their humans’ door — because pets are residents too.
Toni’s background in marketing, advertising, and photography collided with her love of animals: she started interviewing pets and their humans for The Chat, The Covington’s monthly newsletter. It’s part icebreaker, part comedy, and part subtle wellness campaign. First she sends a questionnaire to the family to get to know them through their answers, and then she drops by for an in person interview and portrait session.
Here are excerpts from some of Toni’s finest interviews. Four pets. Four personalities. Zero filter. Read on, and we think you might just discover that the secret to a happier, healthier, and longer life is hiding behind a wet nose.
Pink the Cat: Tail of the Unexpected
Toni: Pink, your coloring is striking — mostly white, some gray but your tail looks like it was added at the last second in a game of “pin the tail on the donkey.” Thoughts?
Pink: What’s wrong with it?
Toni: Oh, nothing. It’s just… distinctive.
Pink: I like my tail. And that wasn’t a very nice thing to say.
Toni: Fair enough. You are beautiful all over.
As she pranced out, she threw a glare over her shoulder and said, “At least I have a tail.”
Mini the Chiweenie: The Culinary Adventurer
Mini is a Chiweenie — part Chihuahua, part Dachshund, all opinions. Rescued by her mom, Dolly, at three months old, Mini arrived at The Covington with big ears, short legs, and one burning question.
Mini: Do I have to sit on your lap for this interview? I love humans, but I’m not comfortable being held. Dolly will tell you — I run when she tries to pick me up.
Once we agreed sitting across from each other would do, Mini eased into things.
Toni: Mini, what’s your favorite part of life here?
Mini: Eating everything in sight. Rabbit droppings are a favorite. Dolly says “no,” but, between you and me, I think she’s missing out.
Toni: Ever gone too far?
Mini: Let’s just say an “all-you-can-eat” incident ended in surgery. But it was totally worth it in my opinion.
Toni: Halloween is just around the corner. What will you be this year?
Mini: I don’t get why humans need costumes for treats. I just wiggle and smile and people happily give me treats. Dolly calls me a professional beggar. I prefer “charming neighbor. I’m happy to teach you how to wiggle your behind so you can get treats all the time too.”
DJ the Retriever: Never retrieved a day in his life, but he’s a People-Watcher Extraordinaire
Dave, DJ’s human says DJ is cool and mellow. Big, extremely handsome, very friendly, and totally laid back. Dave named him DJ after four generations in his family of David Johns.
Toni: DJ, what do you enjoy most here?
DJ: I like my personal outdoor space where I can sit and watch over things. The birds are entertaining, and I especially enjoy all the two-legged and four-legged friends that walk by and say hello. Mom and Dad are social butterflies, so I’ve met everyone. I’m basically The Mayor around here.
Toni: You are very friendly. I notice you visiting the people sitting in chairs?
DJ: Yes, they always seem so happy to see me, and I like that.
Willie the Terrier: Life Without Chompers
Toni: Willie, does it bother you to not have teeth?
Willie: No. I don’t take time to chew my food anyway. And I’ve noticed, some humans around here don’t have teeth either.
Toni: How are you liking The Covington?
Willie: It’s great. I love to smell the grass and flowers when we take our daily walkies.
The Serious Side of the Silliness
The laughs are real. But, then again, so are the health perks. According to the National Council on Aging, pets can:
Keep us more active (walks, fetch, filling a food bowl)
Improve heart health (lower blood pressure and cholesterol)
Reduce stress and improve sleep (yes, even when they’re not in bed with you!)
Boost balance and flexibility, reducing the risk of falling.
Build social connections
At The Covington, you see it daily — like Marilyn, who just turned 100 and still walks her energetic dog without a cane or walker.
A Community That Celebrates Every Tail Wag
From monthly pet visits at “The Canyon House“ Assisted Living, to the annual Blessing of the Animals, to Valentine’s Day luncheons with framed pet portraits at each seat, pets here are woven into daily life.
The crown jewel is our Halloween Pet Parade. It starts with visits to residents of The Canyon House, then moves to The Pavilion (or is it Pawvilion?) for costumed glory. Toni photographs every contestant — because you haven’t lived until you’ve seen a dachshund dressed as a hot dog strut a runway.
At The Covington, pets don’t just make life sweeter, they help make it longer. And if they sneak in extra treats and belly rubs along the way, even better.
All newly arriving pets are pre-assessed and regularly screened after move-in for continual adherence to The Covington’s Pet Policy, which insures peaceful enjoyment of the premises for all.
About US
The Covington offers a warm welcome to individuals, couples, and pets from all backgrounds, cultures, and faiths. Set on 12 leafy acres, with luxury amenities including a heated indoor pool, personalized health-and-wellness plans, a koi pond, lush gardens, and three exceptional dining venues, The Covington is the most sought-after independent living community in Aliso Viejo, delivering the choice, freedom, and flexibility all seniors deserve. Proudly nonprofit.
