About Mike

There was a man named Mike who was particularly fond of Hardy. I thought it endearing when Mike would arrive to say hello to his favorite dog, Buddy (Mike’s name for him). He usually showed up to visit much later compared with the everyone else. By the time most of the other residents had already retreated back to the comfort to their rooms, Mike would arrive from his walk throughout the grounds, and in a loud voice holler across the room, “Hello Buddy.”

Hardy would react by wagging his tail and tugging hard at his leash so he could run and greet Mike. I would always drop the leash and allow Hardy to run to his friend and let them interact independently. They were always bursting with mutual admiration for each other. After a brief but enthusiastic salutation, Eugene would pick up the leash and walk his “Buddy” around the foyer introducing him to anyone who would listen. “This is my dog, Buddy.” He would say. 

Mike was a large man, both in size and in character. He stood over six feet tall and was built like a football player. He had a kind expression and sparkling blue eyes. Unlike most of the residents at Whitegate, he was able to move around lithely without the assistance of a walker. He was always cheerful and frequently displayed his affection for Hardy when they returned from their meet and greet stroll. As he said good-bye I would frequently witness Mike wiping his misty eyes with a sentimental sniff.

I’m not sure if Mike knew who I was, but he sure enjoyed interacting with my dog. Word around the facility was that he had Alzheimer’s and had a difficult time recognizing people from his past. I came to believe that he thought I was a relative bringing his dog, Buddy, for a weekly visit, but I didn’t mind. I thought it charming to watch their interactions, and how happy they both behaved whenever they were reunited. One day, Mike just stopped coming around, and when I queried the director about his whereabouts, I was informed that it was becoming too dangerous for him to be on his own. He had been moved to a facility that focused on memory conditions.