Miss Becky’s Block Island Buddy, “Buddy”, 8, of Greenville, crossed over the rainbow bridge surrounded by his family at his home in Greenville on Saturday April 20, 2024.
He was sired by Pathfinder Blazing a New Trail, “Hank” to Bella Luna of the Night Sky, “Luna”. Born on July 9, 2015, at Country Acres Goldens, Pomfret Center, CT under the direction of the late Sandy Boucher. He was placed in the loving home of Thomas and Rebecca Winfield of Greenville, RI on Saturday August 29, 2015.
In the Fall of 2015 and under direction of Jenny Dickinson of Rumford, RI, he started his training. Buddy had completed his American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Certificate on June 3, 2016. He continued his training and began his service in 2017 as a Therapy Dog at the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home in Greenville, RI. Bringing comfort and compassion to many who met him. He loved to go to “work”, when we put his vest on, he got a little pep in his step. He knew he was going to greet people who needed him. Buddy brought a little golden sunshine and unconditional love wherever he went.
Buddy led with a quiet presence; he brought a little golden sunshine wherever he went. He was kind, he was compassionate, and he showered people with unconditional love, and they loved him right back. He understood that some people needed a little more of him than others and he was happy to give of himself.
Buddy loved a good belly rub, a nap on the back porch was the best but a nap anywhere was acceptable. Buddy never missed a good meal. He loved crunchy water (ice cubes) and just about any kind of treat, anytime. He loved scrambled eggs, cheese, apple, and banana slices but would pass on the carrots and broccoli. He was always up for a ride in his truck. He and his brothers loved to stick their heads out of the back window, making people smile when they pulled up behind them.
He was not much of a water dog but loved a stroll on a beach, block island being his favorite. He was a frequent traveler, and a regular visitor to Block Island, RI, Newport, RI, Boston, MA and Kennebunkport, ME. He was always up for a short walk around the village of Greenville but would leave the long walks to his younger brothers.
A special treat for Buddy was an overnight stay at his grandma and grandpa’s, Roberta, and Ray’s home. His was greeted with a warm facecloth to wipe his face and clean his paws all while he sprawled out of the couch. Roberta cooked him his favorite scrambled eggs and chic-chic (chicken). There, he was the center of their attention, and they spoiled him like an only child.
During the Covid 19 Response, Buddy was asked to be an ambassador for the Town of Smithfield’s covid vaccination clinics. He worked just about every one of the adult clinics, but he had worked every single one of the children’s clinics. He escorted children through the process of getting a vaccine, sitting with those children during the waiting period and even escorting some children back to their cars. While Buddy was there for the children, he also provided comfort and affection to all the support staff that ran the clinics.
He had welcomed his two younger brothers, Smithfield’s Mr. Speaker, “Teddy” on July 8, 2017, and The Boss of Greenville, Nicholas Santino, “Nicky” on October 31, 2020, but he was always the leader of our pack. We affectionately called him Chief. He was known to referee his brothers frequent wrestling matches and would give warning barks when things got out of hand.
Betty White once said,
“Once someone has had the good fortune to share a true love affair with a Golden Retriever, one’s life and one’s outlook is never quite the same.” For some, meeting Buddy would change their outlook on life. Buddy was a special dog, and we were just lucky enough to have him in our lives. He will always be with us, in our thoughts and in our hearts.
While he traveled alone over the rainbow bridge, we know Willy, Jack and Miss Kelsey will be there to greet him. We will miss you Chief !
In lieu of flowers please do an act of kindness for someone in Buddy’s memory.