OBX Housing continues to help the senior community!

OBX Housing helps the senior community!OBX Housing continues to help the senior community!

Those of you who have been in our office have seen our furry office staff, Buddy (aka President) and Louie (aka Vice President.) Did you know that they are also working dogs? Buddy is an AKC certified Distinguished Therapy Dog having had over 400 visits at local nursing homes, assisted living facility and works with GEM who helps Patients and Caregivers with Alzheimer and Dementia. Buddy has reached the highest honor that the AKC can bestow on a Therapy Dog and to our knowledge is the only AKC Distinguished Therapy Dog on the Outer Banks! Buddy is 4 1/2 years old and he is a Teddy Bear Zuchon which is a Bichon-Shih-Tzu mix. Louie is 2 years old and he is a Shih-Tzu.

Buddy’s training to become an AKC Certified Therapy Dog began with puppy classes, then AKC Canine Good Citizens certification; private classes to prepare for the testing by Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs (which he passed) and then the AKC certification. He must be logged in and out of each visit at the facilities he visits, and we must also provide them with up to date shot records as needed.

OBX Housing President and Vice PresidentLouie is currently a certified Emotional Support dog who has received the STAR AKC Puppy Award as well as Canine Good Citizen Award and is in training to become a Certified Therapy Dog as well.

During their time off from working, Buddy and Louie enjoy office time (especially with Megan) on Monday’s and Friday’s. They really enjoy their days spent at The Naked Dog in Kitty Hawk for doggie daycare, bathing, and grooming. A big shout out to Erin Heyder of Naked Dog and Stacie Trout of Groom and Go-Mobile Grooming Professionals and their staff who keep these boys looking and smelling good!