Ten years ago, he was liberated from a South Carolina puppy mill. Today, Roodle the Labradoodle roams the halls of The Barclay at SouthPark, greeted by smiling faces, affectionate embraces and of course, a few treats.
“Residents and staff fell in love with him so quickly; he became everyone’s dog. He continues to come with me, even though I no longer need to bring him,” said the dog’s owner, Blake Leggett, a sales associate at the Liberty Senior Living retirement community in Charlotte, SC. “People will come to my office to see him. They’ll be petting him and then look over at me, almost as a PS, and say, ‘Oh, hey Blake.’ And that is totally fine with me. I tell people he’s cuter and sweeter than I am and has better hair.”
When Leggett was selling her home about a year ago, she would bring Roodle to work so he was out of the way during home showings. Once the residents got to know him, it was clear that Roodle would not be leaving the retirement community anytime soon. New friends can be difficult to come by, especially those with fur and four legs. Leggett is convinced that Roodle is a uniquely special friend to residents.
“I know everyone says their pets are the best, but I do think I am looking at Roodle and this situation objectively,” Leggett said. “I continue to see examples of him touching people in really special ways.”
Roodle plays an important role at The Barclay at SouthPark, reminding residents and staff members of fond memories with their own pets as well as providing comfort to those experiencing bad days. Leggett makes sure to arrive early and leave later, to ensure that Roodle has enough visitation time. He’s a long way from the puppy mill but close to the hearts of many in his new stomping grounds.
“People see him and want to visit and love on him,” Leggett said. “I can’t explain exactly what it is, but he seems to have created a unique and special bond.”
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