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A golden retriever named Buddy may have officially retired, but his heart still believes he’s on the job. In a touching TikTok video that quickly gained traction, Buddy continues his service dog habits—monitoring his owner during workouts, holding hands, and behaving just as he did when he worked full-time in a hospital.
Buddy’s story begins in Georgia, where he was born and trained by Canine Assistants for a future in service. At just 8 weeks old, he started training and was eventually matched with a hospital in Boston. By the time he was a year and a half old, Buddy began working as a full-time Facility Dog, serving on the Child Life team to support pediatric patients through therapeutic intervention and play.
His job was more than just companionship. As part of the hospital’s therapy program, Buddy helped children and their families cope with the stresses of medical care. He worked 40-hour weeks alongside his co-handlers, always present, always calm, and always loving.
But in the summer of 2024, things changed. Buddy began showing troubling symptoms that led to a diagnosis of Lower Motor Neuron disease, a degenerative condition. While he underwent treatments and medications to manage it, his condition worsened, and his immune system weakened. By April 2025, he officially retired at the age of four.
Despite no longer working at the hospital, Buddy hasn’t lost his sense of duty. He still instinctively checks on his owner, offers comforting presence, and stays close by—traits that once defined his job and now define his everyday life.
Candice, Buddy’s owner and former handler, says he remains full of love, mischief, and joy. He adores the beach, bananas, and peanut butter. Though his prognosis is uncertain, what’s clear is that he continues to brighten lives just as he did at the hospital.
The viral video featuring Buddy has touched the hearts of thousands, with viewers sharing their own stories of retired service dogs and celebrating Buddy’s continued devotion. Through illness and change, Buddy proves that once a service dog, always a service dog—and that some hearts never stop helping others.
Click the video below to watch the full story:
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This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.
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