One loving pup

St. Boniface

Charleswood

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 15/11/2023 (1012 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When it comes to making friends and influencing people, Hero would appear to be a natural at both.

Recent visitors to St. Boniface Hospital, as well as its staff and patients, might well have spotted the Siberian husky and his owner, George Ames, in or around the hospital’s front lobby, where Hero spends some of his time serving as a therapy dog.

According to Ames, Hero has established a big following at the southeast Winnipeg-based hospital, “making a great first impression with patients, staff and visitors.”

Hero follows in the pawprints of Rusty, Ames’ former therapy dog, who lived until he was 17, and also worked at St. Boniface Hospital in the same role.

Rusty, who worked in the role up until a few months before his death, gained celebrity status during his time as a therapy dog, and he received a senate medal in recognition of his services. In all, Rusty contributed more than 3,000 hours to the cause.

Ames said Hero, who is aged “just over six,” has “some big paws to fill” but is relishing the therapy dog role.

“People ask, ‘is Hero Rusty’s brother?’ Ames said. “They ask if he’ll go on to become a legend like Rusty is.”

Ames, who lives in Charleswood, is hoping Rusty’s legend will become further cemented by a successful application to the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board’s 2024 Citizens Hall of Fame, for which Rusty has been nominated for by the Winnipeg Humane Society.

The board’s website states the initiative recognizes citizens “who have contributed to Winnipeg’s quality of life with exceptional achievements in leadership and community service. The inductee’s achievements may be local, national or international in scope.”

When asked why it’s important to him to accompany Hero on all his volunteer visits, Ames said he thinks of it as “a pleasing distraction to people who might be struggling in some way.”

“I enjoy it. I’m an outgoing person, and my kids and grandkids were born in the hospital, so I have an attachment to it,” he said. “I know the difference a dog like Rusty or Hero can make.”

In terms of the attention that’s been lavished on his canine companions through the years, Ames said he doesn’t mind sometimes playing second fiddle.

“Rusty and Hero are the stars. I’m just the chauffeur and the handler,” Ames said, with a laugh.