A Day in the Life of Archie the Dog

Hi! I’m Archie. I turn one this month. I’ve been coming to Springwell since I was two months old, and I think it’s the most wonderful place.

I’m a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. I’m also known as a “Staffy” or the “Nanny Dog” because I love children so much. Actually, I love everyone I meet and I’ve been told that I’m “full of enthusiasm.”

My vet says when I’m full-grown I’ll weigh between 28 and 38 pounds. That’s hard to imagine, but I just hope I don’t get too big to sit in laps.

I thought you might be interested in how I spend my days at Springwell. While each day is a different adventure, they all are filled with so many fun people. Let’s go!

A Typical Day

8:00  a.m. I arrive at the Springwell office with my best friend, Nina Heckman. (As I understand it, she’s a community sales director breed. I just know she’s the best.) While the car ride was spectacular, nothing beats walking into the office and smelling all my friends. I say hi to as many people as I can. (I also lick a few ankles, even though I know I shouldn’t.)

8:33  a.m. I meet with my trainer, Brian Biederman, from Be Kind Canine. I’m working on not jumping on people. Brian says I’m a good boy, and I believe him.

10:08 a.m. Kim Kennedy (breed: community sales director) takes me for a walk. While I love being around everyone in the office, being outside is the best. So many things to smell! But the best part is stopping to meet someone new. That’s what I really live for!

10:45 a.m. Today is amazing. Not only did I just take a walk, but now I’m at the Main Building where residents are throwing my ball off the back of the veranda so I can chase it. The steps sometimes give me a hard time in my rush to get to the ball, but it feels amazing to leap into the air to catch it. I don’t even care if I miss it. I’m having that much fun. (I think the residents are as well.)

11:27  a.m. I take a nap. People say I snore like a drunken sailor. That doesn’t offend me at all.

11:52 a.m. I’m hanging out in Phil Golden’s office. (He’s the top dog here. I think his breed is “executive director.”) I love it here and spend my time chasing my beloved ball and chewing on some bones. Sometimes I even take a quick nap, but as soon as there is a hint of some fun I make sure to check it out.

12:51 p.m. Rubi Miranda (breed: business office director) stops by to teach me some Spanish. So far I know the words “guapo” (handsome), “inteligente” (smart), and “venga” (come on). Sometimes she makes me blush, but I love her for it.

1:01 p.m. Time for another walk! (Followed by a nap. Don’t judge me. I’m working hard at growing and learning, and it takes it out of me!)

1:35 p.m. Nina takes me to visit a resident with memory loss who is having a rough day. I know I need to behave, but I can’t help myself and I bury her with kisses. She smiles, so I think it’s OK. Then while playing with my ball it gets stuck under her sofa, and then my head gets stuck … and she laughs and laughs. And then she starts talking with Nina while I take a nap. Nina says I am a VERY good dog.

2:43 p.m. Susan Denning (breed: director of nursing) visits me. I try really, really hard not to jump up on her, but it’s difficult. In the end I manage to only jump once. I focus instead on wagging my tail as fast as I can. (I think my whole body moved!)

3:00 p.m. I’m off for a walk to visit my fan club at the Homestead living room. This is the life! I love walking into a room where people are happy to see me. I try to return their appreciation with good manners, but I’m still full of enthusiasm. (And I sneak in some ankle licks.) THIS might be my favorite time of day.

4:05 p.m. Phew! After all that socializing it’s time for a nap.

4:35 p.m. She came! She came! I thought she forgot about me, but Sue Meurer (breed: HR and business assistant) is here to give me rubs, even though today is her last day at Springwell. Sniff! She also says something about me being a morale booster for the team. I’m not sure what that means, but her belly rubs have always left me feeling fully boosted. I’m sure going to miss her!

5:00 p.m. It’s time for Nina and me to go home. Another successful day at the office!