An unofficial staff member has been bringing a smile to the faces of residents at the Sharon Care Center in Centralia for over three years.
He roams the halls of the assisted living facility and greets everyone he meets, all while standing a foot tall on four legs and sporting a coat of blonde fur.
Ralphie, a 3-year old Chihuahua, pug and Pomeranian mix, commonly known as a Chug, has been clocking 40 hours a week at Sharon Care since the day after he was adopted by his owner, Jill Brown, who works in maintenance at the facility.
Ralphie holds the honorary title of “resident protector” of the Sharon Care memory care unit.
“He was the runt of the litter, and he chose me,” Brown said. “I got him March 13, he started coming here March 14 and he’s been here every day since”.
The memory care unit is commonly known as the most difficult areas of a nursing home, housing residents suffering from dementia and other memory-altering brain diseases.
Residents and faculty alike believe Ralphie shines a much needed light on the sector, with his friendly attitude and gentle touch buying moods when visiting sick residents.
Sharon Care is a nursing and assisted living center that offers personalized assistance and supportive living services to its residents.
For many living at Sharon Care, a visit from a furry friend makes their day brighter. Ralphie, when properly compensated with his favorite treats, is always happy to provide entertainment with his variety of tricks, most commonly dishing out high-fives by the minute.
Ralphie has built a relationship with many of the Sharon Care residents. Brown mentioned she often receives phone calls when residents want to see Ralphie on his days off.
“He’s helped a lot of residents,” Brown said. “He’s a companion for everyone here.”
Ralphie’s favorite resident, Donna Smith, often calls on weekends to ask if he can come in to visit or even come to the phone so she can say hello.
Although small in stature, Ralphie doesn't shy away from the task of protecting his residents, sounding the alarm with his loud, high-pitched bark when he senses something is wrong.
“If a stranger comes in, he will definitely let us know they are strange,” Brown said.
Ralphie's service of warming hearts doesn't end with the residents of Sharon Care.
Prior to adopting Ralphie, Jill Brown was struggling with anxiety, a disorder she says she has been completely cured of, all thanks to Ralphie.
“I don’t have anxiety anymore,” she said. “If I'm having a bad day, I'll just come hang with him for a few minutes and he makes things brighter.”
“He is my true companion, my sidekick for sure,” Brown said. “He sure earns his treats.”
