Chateau Girardeau residents celebrate Buddy's first birthday

Chateau Girardeau threw a party like none they had thrown before. And Thursday's guest of honor wasn't the typical resident.

Buddy, the first therapy dog at the Chateau, celebrated his first birthday with residents. The Scooby-Doo-themed occasion was complete with homemade treats for Buddy, along with cake, entertainment by Mary and the Four Ks and balloons for the 50 residents who came with cards and gifts.

Buddy joined the residents as a 6-week-old puppy. A litter of six golden retrievers had just been dropped off at the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri and Joyce Stacy, social services designee at Chateau, knew through research that the breed was excellent for interaction with nursing home patients.

"When he was a pup, he stayed on my lap," said resident Bernice Cutler, as she pointed to a picture in Buddy's photo album. Stuck alongside the photo with Cutler are pictures of Buddy with Santa and dressed as a reindeer.

His repertoire of tricks includes a high five, the residents' favorite, but he also has an affinity for sniffing out treats.

"All the departments keep various treats in their desk drawers," Stacy said. "He knows exactly where to get the cheese. He barks at the drawers to let them know he wants something."

He visits all wards of the facility, including the special-needs unit where Buddy barks at the doors to be let through. All the while he wears his own security badge and saddle bags full of treats. He also brings encouragement to patients and livens up the rooms as he visits with residents.

"He's lean probably from all the exercise he gets going up and down these halls," Cutler said. "He goes all day long."

Buddy goes home with Stacy at night and spends the weekend with her family. His brother, Sam, is owned by assistant director Didi Terbrak. Once a week the two get to play together, she said.

A special celebration at home is planned for Sam, but Thursday was Buddy's day. Resident Lois Fairchild fed Buddy his first piece of candy at the party and then had to chase him down to wash the stickiness off his face.

"They're kind of like kids," Fairchild said. "They're made for spoiling."

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133