Buddy, Renaissance Gardens at Charlestown

Buddy is a five year old, shorty jack, Jack Russell Terrier. He does tricks like jump through a hoop, volleys a balloon by himself, he has an inside voice (softer) and an outside voice (louder), he speaks, gives paw, sits pretty, and lays down.

Buddy, Renaissance Gardens at Charlestown

I am a Program Manager and I am responsible for providing programs and activities for the elderly in our assisted living and the nursing facility. I firmly believe that having pets available adds enjoyment, comfort and love to our residents. So, I began taking Buddy to work three and a half years ago. I tell him the night before that he is going to work with mommy to see all of the people. The next morning he is sitting and staring at me and running all around the house. He gets so excited. During the drive Buddy starts barking and looking out of the window the closer we get to the campus.

When we arrive, Buddy starts his visits right away. The residents all clamor for his attention. Even though Jack Russell’s are considered high strung, Buddy is very sweet to the residents. If I ask him to sit and let a resident, “pet the puppy” he sits as pretty as you please to get all of the attention he can. On days that I have meetings and cannot bring him, the resident’s faces clearly show their disappointment.

I love my job and bringing Buddy to work with me. The residents call him “Red Hat Buddy” since they just voted to have him become an honorary Red Hat member.

Submitted by:

Robin Domulevicz
Renaissance Gardens at Charlestown
Catonsville, MD