Nugget

Entrant's Name
Stuart

Animal Bio
My boy Nugget is a 12-year old Rottie-Shep-Lab with a natural passion to making people happy. He is a BC Pets and Friends certified therapy dog and a six-year veteran volunteer at Mount St. Joseph Hospital.

In 2014, Nugget was surrendered by a loving family in Lax-Kwʼalaams (previously called Port Simpson) on account of his love for chasing goats and chickens on their farm. I was fortunate enough to rescue Nugget (his original name was retained, by the way) with the gracious help from BC SPCA. To this day, I keep in contact with Nugget's first owner, T-A, who is very proud of her boy's accomplishments.

It took a few months for Nugget to get used to city life, which is the reason for his IG handle, "thediaryofawimpydog". However, he soon became a fan favorite in my neighborhood, with his love for hoomans, young and old.

In 2020, COVID did not stop Nugget from visiting seniors in long-term care, as we took to conducting "Virtual Pet Therapy", whereby we reached out to the residents via smartphone and I-Pad. This gave the viewers to get a glimpse into Nugget's home, his hangouts in the 'hood, and local dog park.

Nugget took on social responsibility efforts by joining me to participate in City of Vancouver’s “Adopt My Block" to do street clean-ups in my neighborhood on my regular walks, and also around the hospital after scheduled visits. We also collect cigarette butts, and mail them to Terracycle Canada in Ontario, who make them into chairs and tables. Pretty cool stuff, huh.

Receiving the most Votes would be a nice reward to recognize Nugget’s and my efforts to make our community more engaged. However, the real credit and support will be given in the form of uber donations to the wonderful BC SPCA in advocating care for our fur-riends.

I've tried to share Nugget's love with everyone who needs to give a hug, and have the hug reciprocated.

It would be incredibly pawsome to have Nugget remembered with his mug on a can of cool one to savor the reminder that life is short, to be kind, to be grateful, and to help those in need.

Stay well and happy,
Stuart and Nugget