Like family: Three-legged dog brings happiness to seniors, others at Cape Girardeau facility

Golden retriever Tripod has only three legs but he doesn't seem to mind.

He spends his days running to fetch toys, greeting visitors with endless joy and entertaining the 37 residents at Capetown Assisted Living in Cape Girardeau.

"I believe that he doesn't know he has a disability," said Capetown co-activity director Marlya Simmons of the 3-year-old canine. "He's not like most dogs. He's been such a blessing."

Tripod has been without his front left leg since a car struck him shortly after he was born. When his former owner was unable to care for him, Tripod was handed over in 2007 to the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri.

At the time, Capetown was searching for a dog but had never found that perfect canine. Once the staff learned about Tripod, their former director visited the Humane Society and immediately fell in love with him.

The adoption came just in time. Simmons said if they had not adopted him July 27, 2007, he likely would have been euthanized within two weeks.

"When we first got him, he was 10 pounds skinnier, dirty and ribs showing," Simmons recalled. "But it didn't take much time at all for him to get adjusted to life here. Now, he's like a family member."

Nurse Helen Gwin said Tripod and the residents and staff are inseparable.

"We have a lot of residents you see around here who pet him, and he returns the gesture through different ways that show them that he loves them," Gwin said. "He's such a gentle dog, and that shows."

Most times Tripod will accompany residents who travel on the facility's bus during their many outings. He often will make a plea for a scratch on his belly, sit quietly during a Bible study or roam throughout the hallways.

"About the only part of the building that's off limits is the dining area during meal times and some of the rooms," Simmons said. "But it's amazing that Tripod sensed early on which rooms were off-limits."

Tripod has even made appearances in public. He recently visited Blanchard Elementary School in Cape Girardeau for an assembly that culminated in the students' reading a book about a three-legged dog.

"The children just loved him," Simmons said in between gentle pats on Tripod's head. "I think it's because he's so kind. It seems like he loves children in general."

And whenever visitors come through the door at 2587 Cape LaCroix Road, Tripod is usually the first living creature they see.

"Whenever our volunteers come in for a visit, many times they'll bring him a doggie bowl or treat," Simmons said. "He's so spoiled."

But at other times, Tripod serves as a protector of the residents.

Such was the case three months after he moved into Capetown.

Without an employee nearby one evening, a resident unexpectedly fell. Tripod sensed the danger and barked to alert the nurse of the fall.

"The funny thing is he never barks, but knew that the resident needed help immediately," Simmons said. "He watches over our residents and is in tune with what's happening in their lives and other parts of his surroundings."

Simmons said Tripod has his favorites, such as residents like Lois Unfer. Since she moved into Capetown, Unfer said Tripod has brought a newfound joy into her life.

"I had a dog once, but this one is different," Unfer said. "He's very easy to love. And he's fitting to this situation."

Activity co-director Kelly Bryant echoes the thought.

"He's a hero to us and others around town," Bryant said. "He represents a disability, but it doesn't seem like he has one."

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628

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