By Janet McAfee
Buddy is an amazing dog with an equally amazing story. He once belonged to a Los Angeles animal acting group along with his brother, the dog who carried an umbrella in the Traveler’s Insurance commercial. However, Buddy’s acting career floundered, and he found himself in an animal shelter. Fortune found Buddy when he was adopted by Steven Garey, a famous concert pianist who is the last living protégé’ of the late great Liberace. Buddy was Steven’s best “buddy” until tragedy struck when Steven was attacked in a random crime and became severely disabled.
I drove to Palm Springs to meet Steven and Buddy when Loving All Animals was contacted about his plight. The apartment building for disabled seniors was a dreary building, but Steven’s upstairs unit contained a beautiful piano and memorabilia from his show business days. It was the day before Steven’s 54th birthday, a birthday he shared with Buddy who was turning 4. The West Highland Terrier mix pup was an endearing and friendly character.
His owner sadly explained, “I say goodbye to Buddy every day. It’s like waiting for the other shoe to drop. The first shoe that dropped was deciding to give him up. I want him to get adopted quickly so I can get over the grieving process.” This was unlike the usual owner relinquishments that often frivolous reasons. I suggested options like arranging for a dog walker, but Steven was adamant he wanted Buddy to go to a new home where he could get both love and excellent care.
“Buddy I love you. God bless you,” were Steven’s final words to his beloved pet. Tears streamed down my face as Buddy and I headed out into the warm evening. Buddy loves car trips and seemed happy at the prospect of another ride, seemingly unaware that his life was taking on a new chapter. Buddy was thrilled to have other dogs to play with at his foster home, and didn’t seem to notice when I slipped out the door.
Buddy’s journey to a new home was not quick or easy. The dog went through several foster homes, one of them returning him because of upcoming surgery, and another when he snarled through the front door at her grandson. We discovered that Buddy had a curious habit of nipping at the heels of certain young men. He never bit anyone, but his behavior was cause for alarm by anyone with frequent house guests. Finally, the Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace graciously offered to house Buddy.
A family from Encino saw Buddy’s cute face in an email and decided to “foster to adopt”. Buddy locked eyes with me as they left, and I could sense his uncertainty. Two weeks later, when Buddy attempted to nip at a young male visitor, they made the decision to return him. Buddy, who was previously house trained, started to urinate inside the home. I learned from another source that Buddy’s potential human Mom had cancer, and this relapse was serious.
I retrieved Buddy at a Starbucks along the 10 freeway. He was happy to see me, perhaps because I was now a thread of continuity in his life, and he knew I loved him. There was a whimsical sadness in Buddy that lurked just beneath the surface. I wondered if Buddy instinctively knew his new owner was seriously ill, and had reverted to the familiar role of protecting someone with a disability. Dogs have a proven ability to detect certain cancers. I also wondered when we would ever find the right “match” for Buddy.
One morning Buddy and I were scheduled for the Channel 2 televised pet segment with Jenifer Daniels. In a curious “coincidence”, Steven Garey called the night before advising me to tell the viewers a happy story emphasizing the dog’s Hollywood roots. He added, “Buddy is a hero dog who helped save my life after a bad fall.” This would not be another sad tale about a homeless pet.
Meredith Asher, widow of renowned Hollywood director William Asher (Bewitched, I Love Lucy, etc.) called inquiring about adoption. She was intrigued by Buddy’s show business background. Their first meeting went well, a milestone for a dog that usually reserves his affection. The theme song “Movin’ on Up” played through my head when I delivered Buddy to Meredith’s beautiful home, and I admonished him to be on his best behavior. He checked out his new digs, and played happily with his beloved squeaky toy. Buddy’s face mirrors his soul, and I sensed he was okay.
Meredith reported, “Buddy is absolutely perfect! He’s doing just fine….I got him a little house to sleep in that stays inside my bedroom because he so enjoys being with me. Just as long as he can see me, he’s very happy!” Initially, when he would go into his nipping routine, Meredith would simply put Buddy in a back bedroom for a short time. Buddy now lives like a little prince in another home surrounded by Hollywood memorabilia! The sad look in his eyes is gone now. Buddy’s story has a happy ending, just like an old Hollywood movie.
Are you thinking about getting a “best Buddy” during the holidays? Contact the Palm Springs Animal Shelter at (760) 416-5719 or the Riverside County shelter in Thousand Palms at (760) 343-3644. As Buddy knows, there is a home for every homeless pet, and no home is complete this season without a special dog or cat.
jmcafee7@verizon.net
